Calgary police investigating regarding two similar luring incidents

The Calgary Police Service is asking for the public’s assistance to identify a man responsible for two recent luring incidents.

 

During the first incident on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, a 15-year-old girl was walking in the 6800 block of Martindale Gate N.E., around 4 p.m., when she noticed a suspicious vehicle following behind her. The vehicle eventually pulled up in front of her and the driver rolled down the window and asked her to get in. The teen declined and kept walking. The vehicle then pulled in front of her again, with the driver attempting to lure the girl into the vehicle. At this point, the teen ran away from the car and made it home where police were called.

 

In the second incident, which occurred around 7:15 p.m., on Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, a 31-year-old woman was walking near the intersection of 39 Avenue and 26 Street N.E., when she noticed a vehicle following her.

 

The vehicle slowed down and the driver yelled out to her several times. The victim ignored the man and continued to cross the intersection. A few moments later, the driver of the vehicle approached the woman on foot, touching her hair and groping her buttocks. The woman was able to break free from the man and run to a nearby mall where she flagged down a police unit that happened to be in the area.

 

Despite a search of the area, the offender was not located.

 

Investigators believe the suspect in these two cases is the same. The offender is described as black or Hispanic, 30 to 40 years old, with black wavy or frizzy hair. He was driving a dark green, four-door sedan.

 

There are a number of things Calgarians can do to protect themselves from being victimized.

 

Calgarians are advised to exercise caution when out alone, to stay in busy, well-lit areas and to avoid dark, deserted places.

 

If you are suspicious of someone, trust your instincts. Scream or use a personal emergency alarm to attract attention.

 

It’s also advised Calgarians wait for transit or public transportation with other people in a well-lit area.