Vancouver Police investigate 'suspicious' man who approached teenage girl

A man’s suspicious actions in South Vancouver that involved a young girl has prompted an investigation by Vancouver Police.

According to a release, the incident occurred on Thursday, June 29 just before 3:30 pm when a man approached a 16-year-old girl who was walking in the area of East 45th Avenue and Doman Street. He was driving a new model sedan and stopped beside her to call out “do you have plans later?”

He drove away, but returned to her shortly after a few blocks away near Arlington Street and asked more questions. Police say the girl interpreted the questions as being sexual in nature.

When the man got out of his car in an apparent attempt to locate her, the young girl became concerned for her safety and went to a friend’s house for refuge and to call her parents and police.

“This young lady did the right thing by going to a safe place and calling 9-1-1,” said VPD Constable Jason Doucette in a statement. “Although the man didn’t attempt to make physical contact, his behaviour is concerning and we would like to speak with him to hear his side of the story,”

Police describe the man as Caucasian, in his late 20s to early 30s, about 5’10” tall, and between 180 and 200 lbs in weight. He had a short manicured beard and was wearing a grey ball cap, mirrored Aviator sunglasses, a white t-shirt, and blue jeans.

The silver two-door sedan vehicle he was driving is a “very clean newer model” and had a red tree-shaped air freshener hanging from the rearview mirror.

As investigators have not been able to identify the man, they are seeking the public’s help. Anyone with information about this man or similar incidents is asked to call Vancouver Police at 604-717-2634 or Crime Stoppers’ anonymous hotline at 1-800-222-8477.