Every parent’s worst nightmare did not happen in Westlock last week.
That’s the result of an RCMP investigation of an incident that supposedly took place March 11 at the Rotary Spirit Centre, where a 15-year-old girl said she was approached by a couple who tried to make her leave with them.
After a detailed investigation that ended March 15, RCMP found the incident was “fabricated.”
“I want to ensure the public that their safety was not at risk as a result of this incident,” said Westlock RCMP Cpl. Filipe Vicente. “We understand that the public was very concerned by this information, and we are pleased to be able to provide this update that the incident did not occur.”
No charges will be laid.
The story spread like wildfire on social media shortly after it was alleged to have occurred, with people offering advice and providing support where they saw fit. There was even talk of starting self-defence classes on the community.
The teen’s story was that at approximately 9:30 p.m. she was sitting alone in the Spirit Centre arena when she was approached by two individuals.
They reportedly asked her where her parents were and then told her they were asked to take her to her parents.
The girl alleged that one of the individuals grabbed her arm and tried to force her into a stairway, but she was able to get out of their grasp and the two individuals fled the scene.
Prior to the resolution of this incident, RCMP Cpl. Chris Warren said there were some simple steps parents and their children can take to safeguard against incidents like this.
He said kids out on their own need to keep aware of their surroundings.
Children are advised to not give out any personal information to strangers and should always tell their parents where they are going, when they plan to be back and have a means of contacting their family if the need arises.
“Talk to your kids about strangers and have a plan in place for a safe place if something was to make them feel uncomfortable or in danger,” he said.
• With files from Eric Bowling.
