Huntsville abduction attempt reminds us to be vigilant about teaching our kids about safety

When the words “child” and “abduction” are put in the same sentence it can give parents shivers and a bad feeling in the pit of their stomach.

I can only imagine what that poor child and her parents were feeling when it happened, and are probably still feeling right now. After all as a parent, having your child or children abducted is the stuff of nightmares.

It is doubly terrifying that the abduction attempt was so brazen: during the busy morning rush with all manner of individuals walking, driving, biking to school and work.

We didn’t need for the OPP media alert or school board email to come out to know about the Thursday morning abduction attempt in Huntsville of a Spruce Glen student walking to school.

We live in the neighbourhood. So very close to the situation that the OPP came to my property to ask if I saw anything or heard any commotion in the morning.

They also asked about video surveillance and, while not saying too much at the time as they gathered more information, those terrifying words of “abduction and child” were said.

I later spoke to a Spruce Glen parent (our kids don’t go there) who informed me of getting an email about the situation from the school. That was when I learned that the child was brave and quick thinking: she got away, ran to school, told the office and they immediately informed the OPP.

That is some good “stranger-danger” parenting of this child, who refused to allow someone to take them away. I wish that type of strength, bravery and resourcefulness for every child.

It’s a stark reminder of the importance of having realistic conversations with your child or children about what to do if they ever find themselves in that situation – we’ve listed some tips below, or visit: https://missingkids.ca/en/how-can-we-help/stranger-abduction/prevention/

There are many parents throughout the community and likely many communities nearby who feel this is too close to home – these things shouldn’t happen here. Unfortunately, they do and we need to remain vigilant as parents and as a community to do our best to prevent them.

Thankfully, this abduction attempt in Huntsville was unsuccessful and hopefully it won’t take long to catch the bastard who tried it.

DETAILS FROM THE OPP ALERT

The OPP are investigating an attempted abduction on Thursday morning in Huntsville.

Police say that at about 8:15 a.m., a 12-year-old girl who was on her way to school was approached by a man in the area of Earls Road and Muskoka Road 3 North. The man attempted to force the child into his vehicle.

OPP say the girl was able to get away from the male and did not suffer any injuries.

The man is described as a white male, approx. 30 years of age, average height with a thin build, brown hair. He has a closely shaved dark brown beard, and was wearing a black leather jacket and blue jeans.

His vehicle is described as a black four-door car.

Investigators would also like to identify a female jogger, who was in the area between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and may have witnessed the incident.

Police are asking residents in the area of Earls Road and Muskoka Road 3 North with surveillance or dash cam footage between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. to contact police immediately.

SAFETY TIPS TO SHARE WITH YOUR CHILDREN

• Never approach a vehicle or person you don’t know, even if they seem nice
• Never go anywhere with a stranger
• Always tell your parents where you are going and when you will be home
• Encourage your child to use a buddy system instead of walking alone
• Stay in well lit, populated areas, especially when walking at night
• Teach your child where to go and how to get help by walking with them around the neighbourhood
• Develop a “what if” game with your child to get them thinking of how they would respond if they felt afraid
• Yell out as loud as you can “leave me alone” or something else to draw attention to the “stranger”
• Teach your child what a “safe stranger” is in case they need help.  “Safe strangers” include police officers, firefighters, a cashier at a local store, etc.

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