Abbotsford police release suspect's sketch after attempted abduction of 2 girls

Abbotsford police release suspect's sketch after attempted abduction of 2 girls

Children under 10 were approached by an unknown man outside an apartment complex in Abbotsford, police say

Abbotsford police have released a composite sketch of a man suspected of trying to lure two young girls into his vehicle earlier this week.

Police said the girls, both under the age of 10, were playing outside an apartment complex at 33538 Marshall Rd. at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday when an unknown man approached them.

During the encounter, one of the girls called out to her parents, who were nearby, prompting the man to leave the area, according to police.

Neither child was physically injured.

The suspect is described as a South Asian man in his 50s, between 5'5" and 5'9" tall with a heavy build and a noticeable belly.

Police believe he may be "associated with a light-coloured sedan."

Investigators worked with a forensic sketch artist to produce an image of the suspect, which was released publicly Saturday in an effort to generate leads.

Police said officers have been canvassing the neighbourhood and speaking with residents and nearby businesses to locate witnesses and collect surveillance footage.

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They are also distributing notification door hangers in the immediate area to make residents aware of the incident and explain how they can provide information.

Sgt. Paul Walker acknowledged the concern the incident could cause in the neighbourhood and across the city.

“We know incidents like this really leave the affected neighbourhood and the community as a whole with a sense of unease, and we side with you on that,” he said.

Walker said detectives are working to identify the person responsible but need help from the public.

Police said attempted child abductions of this nature are exceptionally uncommon in Abbotsford.

Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed suspicious activity near the apartment complex or has dashcam or surveillance footage from around the time of the incident to contact Abbotsford police at 604-859-5225.