Police Investigate Child Luring

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Update: The suspect has been identified and arrested.

(2:50 p.m.)

Investigators with the HRP/RCMP Integrated Major Crime Unit are investigating a case of child luring.

Yesterday at 1:36 p.m., police responded to the Superstore on Joseph Howe Drive. Upon arrival, officers learned that a man approached a 4-year-old boy and took him to the washroom upstairs. The boy was reported missing and staff took steps to locate the child which included covering the exits. The man left the washroom with the child but upon reaching the main floor he walked out of the store, leaving the child behind. The child was located unharmed and returned to his parents.

A picture of the man is being released to the public in an attempt to identify him. He is described as a white man, 25 to 35-years-old, 220 lbs., with short brown hair. At the time of the incident he was wearing a zip-up blue and white checkered hoodie, dark pants, a green ball hat with white stripes and sunglasses on top of the hat.

Investigators would like to speak with this man regarding the incident and would ask him, or anyone with information about this case, to contact police at 490-5016. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or texting a tip - Tip 202 + your message to 274637.

HRM Partners in Policing would like to remind parents and guardians to keep an eye on their children at all times. If you see someone acting suspiciously around you child(ren) notify store staff and/or police immediately.