Salmon Arm RCMP seek public assistance identifying suspicious vehicle and driver

On September 10, 2024 Salmon Arm RCMP received a report of a suspicious vehicle and driver in the 300 block of 30th St NE, Salmon Arm. The vehicle approached an elementary school aged child and offered to drive them somewhere. The child declined, then ran away, and the vehicle sped off in the opposite direction. The child was unharmed, returned home and informed their parent who reported the incident to police.

In a concerted effort to further the investigation, Salmon Arm RCMP are seeking public assistance in identifying the vehicle and driver.

The vehicle is described as:

• White minivan
• Unknown make or model
• Cracked windshield
• Slightly tinted back windows
• Dents on driver’s and passenger side doors
• Sticker on rear window Do or Die with a picture of a school
• No licence plate was obtained

The driver is described as:

• Caucasian male
• 30-40 years old
• Average build
• Wearing black hoodie and black toque
• Stubble facial hair
• No visible tattoos
• Spoke English, no accent

The incident is believed to have happened in the 300 block of 30th St NE, Salmon Arm. Anyone with information, home video surveillance looking towards 30th St NE, or dash cam footage in the area between 2:30pm and 2:55pm on September 10th, 2024 is requested to notify Salmon Arm RCMP at 250-832-6044 and reference file 2024-5863.

Safety tips

• Don’t go anywhere with someone you don’t know
• Avoid walking alone
• If you believe you are being followed: Cross the street, go to the nearest group of people or business, and call the police. Run to a safe location like an open store, and look for someone with a nametag.
• If you are suddenly confronted by a predator who demands that you go with them: Run away, yell for help, or make a lot of noise. Try to create a disturbance by knocking things over, scattering belongings, kicking wildly, or throwing a rock through a store or car window. Do whatever you can to attract attention.
• If the criminal is after your purse or other material items: Throw them one way while you run the other way.
• If someone you do not know asks you personal questions: Do not answer. Run away or leave the situation immediately.