UPDATE: Nanaimo RCMP conclude investigation after suspicious north Nanaimo encounter

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EARLIER — Police in Nanaimo are crediting two girls for their bravery and quick thinking following an “uncomfortable encounter” with an unknown male.

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Nanaimo RCMP said on Thursday, Oct. 15, just before 3 p.m. the girls, aged 12 and 13, were walking on Waldbank Rd., near Sechelt Dr., from school when they passed an unknown male who began quickly walking in their direction.

Rsv. Cst. Gary O’Brien said the girls felt concerned and ran to a nearby home and asked for help from the person inside.

“The neighbour came out, and this individual left. They were able to provide a description. Our members attended, and we weren’t able to find him. But nevertheless, the girls did exactly what they were supposed to do. They followed their instincts. They went to a house, and thank goodness there was somebody there that came to their assistance, and they reported it immediately. This is exactly what you need to do.”

The male is described as a Caucasian male, in his late teens to early 20s, with blonde/brown hair, wearing a black and blue plaid jacket, dark pants, and grey shoes.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 1-250-754-2345, file number 2026-34596.

O’Brien said the man’s behaviour was troubling to the girls, and that was enough for them to act.

“We call it the spidey sense. They felt something was wrong. The behaviour of the individual was a marked departure from the normal. They knew this wasn’t right, so they left the situation immediately. They didn’t try to engage with the person. They didn’t follow them. They left the person. They put time and distance between themselves and him.”

The RCMP Youth Section has taken over the investigation.

Operations Officer for the Nanaimo RCMP, Insp. Donovan Tait said the girls made the right call listening to their instincts and getting help from a nearby adult.

“Their actions are a good reminder that if something doesn’t feel right, move to a safe place and find a trusted adult.”

Police encourage youth to trust their instincts, be aware of their surroundings, and seek assistance if they ever feel unsafe.

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