On September 10, 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service received a report about a suspicious male who confronted a middle-school-aged child walking home at lunchtime.
Shortly after noon, the child was walking southbound down Banning Street and headed westbound down Einarson Avenue when a stranger approached him, said something and grabbed hold of the child.
A brief struggle occurred, and the child broke free from the suspect, ran home and reported to a parent. The child was not physically injured.
The suspect was last seen northbound Banning/St. Matthews possibly crossing through Orioles Park.
The suspect was described as a male wearing a checkered/plaid shirt, blue jeans, and a blue ski mask covering his face.
Police have communicated with Greenway School, and the administration has notified the school’s families.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to discuss a safety plan for their school-aged children, including the importance of calling out for help and reporting suspicious people or interactions with a trusted adult.
The Child Abuse Unit has taken over this investigation. Anyone in the area who may have information about this incident, including home video surveillance, is asked to contact investigators at 204-986-3296 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org