North Van RCMP seek information after kids approached by 'suspicious man'

Police in North Vancouver are looking for witnesses to a suspicious incident that occurred in the Keith Lynn neighbourhood on Wednesday between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Three nine-year-olds were playing at Michael Park, located at the corner of Drayton Street and East 11th Street in North Vancouver, when they were approached by a suspicious man, according to police.

The man, who was in a green truck with a canopy, reportedly invited the children to get into his vehicle to have some juice, according to North Vancouver RCMP spokesman Sgt. Peter DeVries.

Sensing the situation was unsafe, the children ran away, went home, and told their parents what had happened. 

Police are hoping to speak with anyone who was in the area at that time and witnessed the incident, or who has video surveillance or dash-cam footage that may have captured images of the vehicle.

Officers are also hoping to speak to the man involved to come forward with their account of the interaction.

DeVries said while the incident is concerning, until officers have more information, it’s difficult to know what to make of the situation. “It’s strange and it’s suspicious, but until we have more information, it’s difficult to establish that there was a nefarious purpose,” he said.

DeVries said police want the public to be aware of the incident, “But we also don’t want to alarm people in an unwarranted way.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311.