Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
The RCMP logo is seen outside the force's 'E' division headquarters in Surrey, B.C., on March 16, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
By The Canadian Press

Observant parent thwarted abduction attempt of girl, 7, from B.C. school: police

May 15, 2026 | 11:24 AM

CHILLIWACK — Police in Chilliwack say the attempted abduction of a seven-year-old girl from a school on Wednesday, by a man wearing a “purple bunny-like mask”, was thwarted by a concerned parent.

RCMP were called to the grounds of Chilliwack Elementary School just after 9 a.m. after a masked man was seen attempting to remove the child from the school.

Supt. Darren Pankratz says a parent dropping off their child noticed the situation wasn’t right and intervened, bringing the girl back unharmed before notifying police.

Police have charged 49-year-old Joel McGillis with kidnapping a person under 16, and he was due in court on Friday.

Pankratz says McGillis and the girl did not know each other, and the situation, while rare, is a reminder for parents to have conversations with their children about safety.

Appeal Set for June 1
Former chiropractor to appeal sexual assault conviction
2h ago
Fire In An Alcove
Suspicious fire set outside the Okanagan Science Centre
3h ago
Council Schedule
Vernon Council considers changes to meeting dates
8h ago

RCMP are asking anyone who saw a person wearing a purple mask on Wednesday morning to contact them.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 15, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Other Matters

Road safety push begins
Kelowna RCMP ramp up enforcement
Kelowna RCMP are reminding drivers to slow down as Canada Road Safety Week begins ahead of the May long weekend.Police say there will be increased enforcement, road checks, and Mandatory Alcohol Screening across the city.Sgt. Kyle Ushock says traffic and collisions typically rise over the holiday weekend."During t...
1h ago
Read More
Caution traveling
Winter weather could hit passes
Travel plans for the May long weekend could be impacted by a return to winter conditions in the mountains.Environment Canada says Allison Pass, Pennask Summit, and Coquihalla Summit are most at risk for accumulating snow.The agency is urging motorists to slow down, adjust driving to conditions, and allow extra travel t...
2h ago
Read More
Appeal Set for June 1
Former chiropractor to appeal sexual assault conviction
An appeal date has been set for a former Vernon chiropractor found guilty of sexual assault.In January, Murray Kievit was found guilty on one court of sexual assault stemming from an incident in December of 2021.Kievit was sentenced to nine months house arrest, to be followed by a three-year probation order. The court ...
2h ago
Read More
Tourism surge arrives
Kelowna's summer event season kicks off
The May long weekend is the unofficial green light for Kelowna's summer season, kicking off a stretch of major events. The Memorial Cup takes centre stage, drawing Canada's best junior hockey teams to the city.Hoopfest fills the downtown streets in early June, followed by Touchdown Kelowna bringing CFL action later in ...
2h ago
Read More
Fire In An Alcove
Suspicious fire set outside the Okanagan Science Centre
Fire fighters were called to fight a small blaze outside the Okanagan Science Centre Friday morning.Vernon Fire Rescue Services responded to reports of a fire at the building next to Polson Park at around 7:46 a.m., and found a small fire in an alcove on the back side of the building. Crews quickly doused the flames an...
3h ago
Read More
Celebrating inclusion and diversity
Okanagan College hosting community Pride celebration
Okanagan College will host its second community Pride celebration later this month at the Kelowna campus.The free all-ages event will include drag performances, community groups, and activities celebrating inclusion and diversity.Organizers say the event is meant to create a welcoming space for students and the wider c...
5h ago
Read More
Council Schedule
Vernon Council considers changes to meeting dates
Vernon may be holding its City Council Meetings on a new schedule.At the meeting May 11, Mayor Victor Cumming proposed that, starting in November following the municipal election, the council meetings be held on Tuesdays, rather than have the Committee of the Whole meetings at 8:30 a.m. and the Regular Council Meetings...
8h ago
Read More
tourism versus rural balance
Short-term rentals coming to RDCO
Eligible property owners in Electoral Areas East and West will soon be allowed to operate short-term rentals under new rules.The Regional District of Central Okanagan has approved the updated bylaw. The changes follow public consultation and a public hearing earlier this year.Operators will need a business licence and ...
22h ago
Read More
Erosion Prevention Efforts
Rail Trail work pushed back to June
The work to prevent erosion along the Okanagan Rail Trail has been pushed back.The Regional District of North Okanagan said the closure of the trail between Kick Willie Road and Kekuli Bay Provincial Park will go from June 1 to 19. This work was previously scheduled to begin May 19 but was delayed due to supply issues....
May 14, 2026
Read More

What Matters

Appeal Set for June 1
Former chiropractor to appeal sexual assault conviction
2h ago
Fire In An Alcove
Suspicious fire set outside the Okanagan Science Centre
3h ago
Council Schedule
Vernon Council considers changes to meeting dates
8h ago
Littering and Illegal Dumping Prevention
Student-led project aims to promote protection of Kalamalka Lake
May 14, 2026
Construction Update
ALC pool filled, being tested
May 14, 2026