No cause for alarm, say RCMP

One child abduction unfounded, another under investigation

The Airdrie RCMP is encouraging residents to report suspicious behaviour, after two recent child abduction incidents.

According to police, on Jan. 23, a young girl was crossing the street near A.E. Bowers Elementary School when a man in a vehicle, who was stopped at a red light, motioned for her to cross the street.

“There was a miscommunication and she got scared and told her mom,” said Const. Meagan Fillion. “The incident was determined to be unfounded, which means no attempted abduction was made.

“The RCMP encourages everyone to report all suspicious activity.”

A separate incident last week at R.J. Hawkey Elementary School is currently under investigation but police weren’t able to release any details.

“The file is still under investigation. The initial interviews have been conducted,” said Fillion. “There is no need to raise alarm in the community. We cannot release more details to protect the integrity of the investigation.”

Angela Spanier, director of communications with Rocky View Schools, said the RCMP is dealing with the issue and the school division has not sent a letter to parents.

“As always, we advise parents to review safety measures when their children walk to and from school,” she said. “When children are in an urban environment, it is important that you have a plan.”

Airdrie RCMP Const. Robert Frizzell encouraged residents to report anything out of the ordinary.

“This is not a waste of time for us by any means,” he said. “We hope people will continue to report any and all suspicious activity.”

Children’s safety is very important at all times, Fillion added.

“The RCMP is asking parents and caregivers of children to be mindful of the safety of their children and all potential risks,” she said.

If you have information on any unsolved crime, call Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7200 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).