On Aug. 17, at 9:15 a.m., Portage la Prairie RCMP received a report of an attempted child abduction of a 9-year-old girl that had occurred in the back lane of a residence located on 10th Street NW in Portage la Prairie.
The girl reported that an unknown male had approached her from behind and grabbed her. While doing so, he asked her if she wanted to come home with him. The girl bit the man and managed to free herself. She then ran home and police were called. The suspect was seen running northbound down the back lane towards Lorne Avenue.
Officers conducted a patrol of the area but did not locate the suspect.
"This is a very concerning incident and the Portage la Prairie RCMP are taking every measure to track down the suspect" said Sgt. Paul Manaigre of the Manitoba RCMP.
The suspect is described as being a Caucasian male with an average build, approximately 5’3”, 40-years-of-age with either blue or green eyes. He has short white hair with a bald spot and a long white beard. He was wearing a black colored zip-up hoodie with grey sweats and reddish colored shoes.
The girl did not suffer any physical injuries.
Sgt. Manaigre said, "We need anyone who may have seen something or may have information to contact us immediately. We also ask that parents in the Portage la Prairie area to be vigilant and to take this opportunity to speak to their children about what to do if approached by a stranger. "
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident, has any information, or any residents in the area of 10th Street NW who may have video surveillance in the back lane, are asked to contact the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445.
