On May 11, 2023, the Winnipeg Police Service was alerted to three suspicious incidents that occurred to school-aged children in the River East Transcona and Louis Riel School Divisions.
At approximately 3:45 p.m., an adult male suspect approached two youths between 9 and 11 years on the Wayoata Elementary School grounds. The suspect male is described as being approximately 30 years of age. The male engaged with the victims and attempted unsuccessfully to pull them towards him. The victims pulled away, and the male fled on foot northbound on Wayoata Street towards Kildare Avenue East.
At approximately 4:45 p.m., an adult male approached an 11-year-old victim while operating a 4-door grey sedan at the Arthur Day Middle School in Transona. The suspect exited the vehicle, engaged the victim, and attempted to lure the victim back to his residence with the promise of video games and candy. The suspect grabbed the victim, but the victim pulled away. The suspect fled in the vehicle before police arrived. The male is described as being approximately 40 years of age.
At approximately 5:00 p.m., school officials of Victor H.L.Wyatt School reported an incident to the police describing a male between 40 and 50 years observing children during the lunch hour. The male did not approach or speak with anyone and fled on foot when approached by school staff.
Members of the School Engagement Section have liaised with School Division officials who are providing parental notifications regarding student awareness and safety planning.
The Child Abuse Unit has taken over the investigations; anyone with information, including home surveillance in this area, is asked to call investigators at 204-986-3296 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).