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Stock photo courtesy of the RCMP
By Liam Verster
Older Man Approached Youths

Police investigating after older man stopped students in Vernon

Dec 3, 2025 | 1:21 PM

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP have opened an investigation into an alleged incident near a local elementary school.

Police say a group of students were walking on 20th Street at around 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, when a grey truck pulled up next to them.

The driver of the truck, described as an older Caucasian man, asked the students if they would like a ride, but they refused.

The truck then circled back and asked the youths for directions. The students did not approach the vehicle and took out their phones, at which point the truck drove away.

Police were notified of the incident shortly after the vehicle left, but officers were unable to locate the truck or driver.

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“We are working closely with School District 22 as we continue to investigate this incident,” Constable Chris Terleski, the media relations officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, stated.

“The students handled the situation exactly as they should by keeping their distance, sticking together, and telling an adult. Knowing how to safely interact with strangers is an incredibly important skill for our kids to have. Not only do we need to teach them safety strategies, but we need to remind them on a regular basis so they’re able to recognize and avoid potentially unsafe situations.”

In addition to investigating this incident, police advise parents teach their kids to be street smart. That includes:

  • Know your home address and landline phone number
  • Know how to contact your parents on their cellphones or at work
  • Know how and when to call 911 in an emergency
  • Establish a secret work for your family that can be used in emergencies to identify a ‘safe person’ other than their parent or caregiver
  • Play ‘what if’ games with younger children to reinforce safety messages

More “Street Proofing” tips can be found at the RCMP website.

by Liam Verster
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