Comox Valley RCMP urges awareness after ‘stranger danger’ incident near school

Mounties in the Comox Valley are reminding the community about “stranger danger” after a man approached young students at an elementary school.

The RCMP says a man was seen on the property of Courtenay Elementary School around 1:10 p.m. on Nov. 5, “attempting to engage in conversation with young students.”

Officers say a teacher approached the man and he left the area.

Const. Monika Terrangni, media relations officer with Comox Valley RCMP, says as part of its “ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being” of the children in the community, the RCMP is releasing a photograph of the man that was taken as he was walking away.

To maintain the safety of the community’s children the Comox Valley RCMP released this photo of a man who approached young students on school property. (Courtesy, Comox Valley RCMP)

Mounties are asking parents, caregivers and guardians to speak with their children about how to safely respond to people they don’t know.

They say if someone the child doesn’t know approaches them then they should not engage in conversation. Children are encouraged to always stay in well-supervised areas, and parents are asked to remind them that it’s okay to say “no,” and walk away to seek help from a trusted adult if they need it.

The RCMP says if you recognize the person in the image or have any information that can help with the investigation, you can contact (250) 338-1321 and refer to file 2024-17022.