The Nanaimo RCMP is issuing a public warning after a male attempted to lure a 12-year-old boy into a green older model GMC Safari van.
The boy was walking southbound along Hammond Bay Road near Entwhistle Drive on Friday at about 1:30 p.m. when he noticed a green van with two white males inside stop opposite him. One of the men got out, opened a sliding door in the van, and called the boy over to help him look for something.
The youth ran back toward his elementary school and told the first adult he saw what happened, who called 911.
Nanaimo RCMP responded immediately but were unable to locate the van. A RCMP Forensic artist has been contacted and a sketch will be prepared early next week.
"The youth was extremely bothered by the interaction," said Const. Gary O'Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman. "He also did everything we ask children to do when confronted with uncomfortable situations and should be commended for his actions."
The two males were also described at middle-aged and heavy-set. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.