4200 block of 35th Street when suspicious occurrence is said to have taken place May 9. (Photo credit: Google Maps)

By Pete McIntyre

Alexis Park area

Suspicious occurrence near Vernon school

May 10, 2023 | 2:37 PM

Police are investigating a suspicious incident near a Vernon elementary school.

RCMP were alerted to an occurrence in the 4200-block of 35th Street, in the area of Alexis Park School on Tuesday, May 9.

“Shortly after 8 a.m., police received information that a man in a brown vehicle had approached a child who was walking to school,” Const. Chris Terleski, media relations officer, said.

“The investigation has determined that a man in a brown vehicle called out several times trying to get the child to come over to his vehicle, even offering a gift if the child got in.”

Terleski said the student continued walking, and their parent, who was nearby, noticed what was happening and went over to the vehicle.

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

Dec 13, 2025

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

Dec 13, 2025

Salaries

Vernon Council to discuss lesser pay increases

Dec 12, 2025

“As the parent approached the vehicle, the suspect drove away from the school and out of the area,” Terleski added.

Police patrols were conducted but the suspect and the vehicle were not found.

The suspect is described as a 40-50 year-old man with a moustache or goatee, wearing light brown clothing, driving an older brown station wagon-type vehicle.

Terleski said police are working with School District 22 to ensure the necessary steps are taken to keep students safe.

“The student did the right thing by recognizing and staying away from an unsafe situation. We can’t reinforce enough that establishing safe habits for interacting with strangers starts at home.”

The officer is recommending parents have “safety conversations” with their children on a regular basis.

“It gives them confidence, and helps prepare them so they know what to do if they are ever in an unsafe situation.”

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and are appealing to the public to check to see if they have video footage of this vehicle or the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at (250) 545-7171 and quote file number 2023-7313.