The Regina Police Service has completed its investigation into a recent “suspicious person” incident with the conclusion that the male involved had a plausible explanation for his actions.
In a news release, issued April 23rd, the Regina Police Service notified the public of three recent “suspicious person” incidents. The third incident described took place on April 20, 2015, in which two young female students, ages 10 and 11, came back from their lunch break and reported that a male had given them candy while they were on their way home for lunch. The girls reported seeing the male park a two-door silver car on Campbell Street, near 7th Avenue. The male approached them and gave them candy; the girls walked away and threw away the candy. He was gone when they returned to school.
Further investigation into this incident led to identification of the male involved; he is an elderly resident of the area. Police learned that he was in the habit of parking his vehicle at that location while his spouse walked their dogs. The officer explained to the male how his actions: offering candy to children, might be perceived as suspicious behavior. The male agreed to stop.
Although this event has been concluded and is no longer regarded as suspicious, the Regina Police Service continues to investigate the other “suspicious person” incidents. This case demonstrates that there can be a reasonable explanation for behavior that appears suspicious and it shows how police investigation is the vital process that leads to such a conclusion. This outcome aside, parents are still encouraged to talk with their children about safety, awareness of their surroundings and what to do if a stranger approaches them.
