An 11-year-old boy is safe after being grabbed and dragged by a man on the river walk trail between the Quesnel River Bridge and the Lebourdais Park ball diamond in Quesnel Monday.
The incident occurred at about 7 p.m., as the boy was walking with his family on the river walk trail, near the Quesnel River Bridge. When the boy stopped to rest, and his family continued to walk forward, a man ran at the boy and grabbed him around the neck. As the boy was being dragged from behind, he was able to fight off his attacker and run to the safety of his family.
The suspect was described as a male, approximately 5’9, and skinny. He was wearing a ski mask, blue hoody, white shirt, jeans, and sneakers.
“The man fled on foot toward the direction of Shepherd Avenue and Murphy Street. The investigators believe that the suspect may have been captured on dash cam video, home surveillance, or may have caught the attention of witnesses,”
said Cpl. Steve Pelletier, of the Quesnel General Investigation Section. “We are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect. If you have any video, or may have witnessed this event, please call the detachment.”
This attack happened in an area close to a playground, recreation centre, and ball park, where young children and families frequent seven days a week,
said Sgt. Richard Weseen, of the Quesnel Detachment. We recommend all parents to have a talk with their children about safety plans, awareness, and what to do if approached by a stranger.
If you have any information regarding this event, call the Quesnel RCMP at (250)992-9211, or Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-TIPS.