Updated: Alleged attempts to lure youths to van in Mississauga sparks investigation

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Published April 28, 2023 at 7:27 pm

Update Apr. 29: Peel Police have confirmed the interaction was not criminal in nature and neither man pictured is a suspect in any crime. The man pictured was interviewed by police found to have been misidentified.

Two reported attempts to lure youths to a van in Mississauga have sparked an investigation and police plea for information.

According to Peel Regional Police, two youths of an unspecified age were near the Hazel McCallion Senior Public School at River Grove Ave. and Riverdale Cr. shortly before 4 p.m. on April 26. Two men got out of a white cargo van and began to run towards them.

The kids saw the runners and retreated into a nearby community centre. Police did not specify which, but the River Grove Community Centre is moments away from the school. The two men left the area shortly thereafter.

Around 12:30 p.m. the next day, a child was out in the schoolyard at St. Faustina Public School on McDowell Dr. and Rainspring Dr. when two unknown men got out of a white cargo van and allegedly tried to lure the kid over. However, the kid retreated back toward the school and the men fled.

The first man is described as between 40 and 50 years old, six feet tall, with a thin build wearing black pants, a black hooded sweater, a black bandana, and black sunglasses. The second is described as 20 to 30 years old and in white clothing and dark sunglasses. The van was white with windows only on the front.

“The investigation is ongoing, and in its early stages, police have been unable to corroborate whether an offence has taken place or not,” investigators said. Anyone in the areas who spotted the men can call police at  905-453-3311, ext. 1133 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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