Cochrane RCMP is working diligently at connecting the pieces of a puzzle involving suspicious activity between motorists and young pedestrians on the Stoney Nakoda First Nations land.

Constable Jennifer Brewer with the Cochrane RCMP, says over the past week RCMP has received a few complaints which are raising alarm amongst the detachment and community members alike. "So far there have been three separate incidences where motorists have allegedly approached young persons walking near Ozada Flats and Chiniki Lake Road. The Cochrane RCMP and the supports unit such as our sketch artist have been working together to investigate these incidents, and as of now, we are still following any investigational avenue we can to try and narrow this down and get better descriptions out there. For the time being, we are still working on getting better descriptions."

As of now, RCMP is not certain if the allegations are connected, involving the same person or if the suspect is offering a ride or trying to pick them up. "At this point, we couldn't say because we are still trying to do a thorough investigation but we know they are approaching young people as they are walking, quading, or engaged in other activities."

Constable Brewer encourages all parents to have safety talks with their children, and if any youth have been/or find themselves approached to immediately report the incident to the Cochrane detachment at 403-851-8000.

"We want people to report it immediately and make sure you are taking precautions as a pedestrian. We want to really make sure we are getting the information; if it's suspicious wise...it's suspicious. It needs to be called in, but we want to really ensure we are investigating the appropriate thing. Why are they finding the situation suspicious? What's going on? If words are being spoken, what is being said and what is so alarming about what is being said? We really need as much detail as possible."

While the investigation is underway, Constable Brewer has a few safety precaution pointers for parents and youth:

  • Travel in groups as it is safer
  •  Don't talk to people you don't know
  •  Set up a safety word 
  •  If you can't pick up your child and you have someone else picking them up, set up safety password that only the child and parents would know to give the family friend or whoever is picking up
  •  If something is happening or someone is trying to grab you, start yelling, start making a scene, start making a fuss

If it doesn't feel right, it's probably not right. Lastly, when/if a sketch can be provided it will be a great investigational avenue they will use to hopefully crack the case.