Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police are asking for the public’s assistance with their investigation into suspicious behavior that occurred on Saturday June 10, 2023.
Police received a call from a parent at 1:30 p.m. detailing that her two daughters were approached by a person driving a black truck attempting to talk to them, asking them if they were “ok” while they were walking on Wellington Street near Armstrong Street in Bracebridge. The driver attempted to talk to the girls three times during their walk between the Rotary Centre and Monck Public School, which was frightening, and they called a parent to pick them up.
The suspect did not get out of his vehicle and is described as a white male with short dark hair and stubble on his face driving a black, 4-door pickup truck with tools and boxes in the box.
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the interactions or who may have their own home surveillance systems in that area to call police at (888)310-1122 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You can submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you have any information on this crime or any other crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.
On Sunday, June 11, the following incident was posted to a public Facebook bulletin board: ·
I rarely to never post anything about my life or my family but today I feel the need to share this with whoever will listen.
My granddaughters left our home to walk to the circle k on Wellington street, in Bracebridge, Ontario today, to treat themselves to a slushie and candy treat. They are learning the “spread your wings and fly”. They are enjoying their new found freedom everyone of us has tasted in the beginning of growing up.
They have been spoke to repetitively about “stranger danger” , and listening to your inner self or instinct. It’s something every parent hopes they’ve taught well enough and prays their child never needs it.
Today, at 1:05 the phone rang, our granddaughter is on the other end asking for her Mom to come and get them ( they haven’t gotten to the store yet).
She’s unsure what’s happening but knows something is wrong.
Something was definitely wrong!!!
Apparently, a man was following behind them and they were aware he was there and kept their distance from him. Then a large black truck came driving up and asking if “the man” ( who hadn’t done or said anything to them) was bothering them.
They kept walking, staying away from the vehicle and said no.
This man and truck kept circling back around and asking if the man was bothering them and did they need help. They said NO!
The man that had been walking behind them now crosses the street to Monck school.
Now my granddaughters are walking by the Muskoka Lumber on a Wellington street and the guy comes back again in the truck!!
This is when our granddaughter called because they are scared.
This piece of garbage once again asks if they’re ok, and then holds 100$ at them across the passenger seat trying to entice them with money.
But they’ve been well versed they keep walking and he drives away.
Then magically a woman in a white suv drives up and says, “ Are you ok, is he bothering you, do you need help?
My granddaughter says, “ No, I’m talking to my Mom and she’s coming.
The woman drives away. And Their Mom is now there and they are safely in the car. Thank you Lord .
They arrive back here and we called the police. They were quick to respond and the officer was so amazing and kind to the girls while getting the information she required.
The officer told the girls they had done everything right, I think our very frightened girls needed to know this.
We are concerned how many times this a##hole came back. The kids did try to go into Muskoka Lumber but it was closed.
They called and kept talking as they were walking trying to get where they could get inside a store.
We feel they were targeted by this person.
As for the woman, if you were just driving up Wellington Street you wouldn’t be aware there was a problem as you are driving faster than they are walking and observing this happening. So why wouldn’t you call the police?!
If you are this woman that witnessed this today … please, please reach out. Maybe you’ll have the make and model of this black truck.
The man : late 30’s, dark hair, closely shaven beard. Wearing a jean jacket. Driving a black pickup with a large grill.
Woman : 45ish, blonde hair, demeanour was caring and pleasant. Driving a white suv.
Please, please, please talk to your kids about strangers. Our small, safe town is no longer safe or small.
And hug your kids, tell them how much you love them and what they mean to you. Always be available for them.
Today could have been the worst day EVER. A PARENTS WORST NIGHTMARE
but instead we are all grateful our precious girls are at home SAFE WHERE THEY BELONG.
PLEASE PASS THIS ALONG, PLEASE SHARE WITH ANYONE THAT HAS CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN.
AND HUG YOUR KIDS!
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