An incident at Carmi School where an intoxicated man approached a female student after school Wednesday has police reminding parents to educate their children on “stranger danger.”
RCMP reported that a nine-year-old student on her way home from school just before 3 p.m. Oct. 21 was approached by an intoxicated 40-year-old male who made inappropriate and alarming sexual comments to her and followed the student. The child told her parents who spoke to the man and also called the police.
The male was located by police and arrested. RCMP report that they are “very familiar with this male and have numerous dealings with him due to his significant substance abuse (alcohol) issue.”
The male was arrested and lodged in cells until sober. Police reported they later engaged with the family, who they say were pleased with the update.
Staff Sgt. Kurt Lozinski worked together with Carmi principle Dr. Sharon Sola to send out a letter to families.
Sola said in the letter that the child’s parents are “happy with how the incident was handled. The family wants to put the incident behind them.”
“We all have a role in ensuring that children are educated about stranger danger, safe walking routes in the community and interactions with anyone who is unknown to them,” the letter states. “Children are always encouraged to find an adult who can help when they are scared, these are good discussions to follow up on at home as well.”
Sola said in the letter she is available for contact for parents who have concerns related to Carmi at 250-770-7697.