Stranger offers candy, ride to 9-year-old boy in Whistler: police

Whistler RCMP are investigating after a nine-year-old child was reportedly offered candy and a ride by a stranger this past weekend.

In a release, police said that approximately 5:20 pm on January 5, they received a report that a nine-year-old child had been approached by an unknown man.

They later learned that the incident had taken place earlier in the day – around 1 pm – while the child was waiting at a bus stop located at the intersection of Balsam Way and Lorimer Road.

According to police, a man “in a blue, sedan-type vehicle stopped and asked the child if he would like some candy. The driver advised that the candy was in the back of the vehicle and offered to drive the child anywhere he wanted to go.”

The child, however, “did the right thing and told the male ‘no’ and walked away.”

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The vehicle was last seen heading towards Highway 99, and the man is described as being between 50 and 60 years old, with shaggy grey hair.

Now, police said they are “actively investigating” this incident, and are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident – or who may be aware of other similar incidents – to report it to Whistler RCMP at 604-932-3044. Those who wish to leave an anonymous tip can do so by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by leaving a tip online.

Police are also reminding parents to speak to their children about never accepting a ride “or offers of inducement” from a stranger.