POLICE: Possible sexual predator in area
By Kyra Hoggan
Police are asking area women to be cautious after as many as a half-dozen alarming events in Nelson.
Nelson Sgt. Pat Severyn said, “Over the past few days, a man has been driving around Nelson, and stopping to talk to women, asking, at first, for directions.
“He then makes a request that the female get in his van and have sex with him. His request is quite vulgar, and in a couple of occassions, he has demanded that the female get in his vehicle.
“The women have all declined and have left the area quickly, but have not been able to positively identify the vehicle or the individual responsible.
“The van is described as a newer-style minivan, possibly teal in colour,” Severyn said, adding on at least on occassion, the back seats appeared to have been removed from the vehicle.
“The man is being described as in his mid-20s, with dark hair and a very pale complexion. He may also speak with a lisp.”
Severyn said this has happened at least five, perhaps six, times, all in different areas of the city, and asks locals to be wary when out walking. Should you encounter this individual, pelase do not confront him, but rather gather enough information as you can (license plate number, descriptions, etc.) and call 9-1-1 immediately.
Detachment commander Sgt. Howie Grant said confronting the man may be foolhardy.
“We’re concerned that (this behaviour) could escalate, and we don’t know what this individual is capable of,” he said. “There’s also the possibility it’s not the right person – we just had a young man in here who fits the description, but is not the suspect.”
