Port Alberni abduction report unfounded

The Port Alberni RCMP would like to provide an update to a previously reported incident. On October 10, 2022 at approximately 3:30pm an unknown male attempted to grab a 10 year old girl while she was walking on Bishop Ave near John Howitt Elementary School.

Read our original release here.

After an exhaustive investigation, and in consultation with the complainant, our officers determined that there was no abduction attempt.

Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from multiple locations, interviewed potential witnesses and area residents. No evidence supporting the initial report was located.

Given the nature of the report, all available resources were utilized, officers believed it was important to ensure the public was advised of any possibility of risk to children, stated Constable Richard Johns, Media Relations Officer. We appreciate the public’s concern, and continued vigilance over the last several days. We are confident there is no risk to the public.