Vancouver police release photo of suspect in alleged child luring case

Vancouver police have released a photo of a man who allegedly tried to lure a child who was walking home on Sunday evening.

Police say in a Monday statement that the alleged luring happened when a 11-year-old girl was walking home from Grays Park, near St. Catherine's Street and East 33rd Avenue, around 6:40 p.m. PT.

That's when, according to police, a man riding a bicycle called out to the girl from across the street, and asked her to come with him.

The girl walked away, but the man allegedly followed her onto East 33rd Avenue. That's when the girl got the help of a passing driver, who took her home. She then reported the alleged luring to police.

"This child did everything right," said Sgt. Steve Addison. "She sensed she was in danger, she quickly sought help, and she got to a place of safety."

Addison says they have not yet identified the suspect, and are seeking public assistance in figuring out who he is.

He is described as a tall white man in his 30s with bushy eyebrows, high cheekbones, a wide jaw, a big nose and ears, and dark circles under his eyes.

Police say he was wearing a dark hoodie under a long-sleeved plaid shirt, dark jeans, and black Dr. Martens-style shoes. He was also carrying a dark backpack at the time of the alleged luring, and was riding a blue Trek mountain bike.

Anyone with more information on the case is asked to call the VPD at 604-717-0604.