Efforts continue in search for assault suspect

Investigators continue efforts to identify and apprehend a male accused of assaulting a 12-year-old old boy last Thursday evening on Nery Avenue in Hallowell.

“The victim was playing on the street by himself when he was approached by a male who took hold of his arm,” reports PEC OPP constable Kim Guthrie. “The boy called for help and the suspect let go, then ran behind a building and into a nearby wooded area.  The suspect did not speak to the boy and the boy was not injured in the incident.”

Parents, neighbours and friends in the community are encouraged to call in any information or sightings of the suspect rather than pursuing or following him.

“Ground search efforts by the OPP K9 Unit can be compromised by foot traffic that may confuse the scent left behind by the suspect,” said Guthrie. “Parents are further encouraged to discuss personal safety with their children, such as playing in groups close to home and ensuring a parent is present and responsible for younger children.  Older children are encouraged to have a friend with them when outside or walking to and from their destination.”

SEPT. 13 – Prince Edward OPP officers are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying a male who assaulted a 12-year-old boy Thursday evening on Nery Avenue in Hallowell.

At 5pm, the boy was building a bicycle ramp on the roadway when he was approached by a male who took hold of his arm and started pulling him toward a wooded area.

“When the boy yelled for help, the male let go and was last seen running into the woods,” Prince Edward OPP constable Kim Guthrie reports. “Although frightened, the victim was not harmed in the incident.”

Investigating officers were soon joined by the OPP K9 Unit and Emergency Response Team members.  An extensive search was conducted for the suspect but he was not located.
The suspect is described as:
• An older, white male with dark tanned skin
• Over six feet tall
• Short grey hair with a bushy, chest-length black and grey beard
• Yellow teeth in poor condition
• The suspect’s dirty and torn clothing consisted of a brown pullover sweatshirt with a yellow and white diamond pattern on it and dark blue jeans.

The search for the suspect is ongoing.  Anyone who observes someone matching the description is asked to call Prince Edward OPP.
The Ontario Provincial Police advise parents to encourage their children to practice personal safety at all times.  Safety tips can be found at www.opp.ca