Skip to content

Elementary students offered ride by stranger in black car

Children refused the ride and reported the incident to parents
DO NOT USE 20160816 Barrie Police Station Sign KA 02
File photo. Kenneth Armstrong/BarrieToday

NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE POLICE SERVICE
************************
On Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, the Barrie Police Service was made aware of an incident that occurred on Cumming Drive in the City of Barrie.

At approximately 3:20 p.m., two elementary school-aged children were walking westbound on Cumming Drive utilizing the south sidewalk when a passing motorist called out to the children and offered them a ride. The female motorist was described as being in her early 40s, with brown hair, a medium build and driving a four-door black coloured passenger car. At the time this occurred, it was cold, windy and it was snowing.

The children did not recognize the female driver and continued home where they reported the incident to their mother, who then contacted the police.

The children in this case are commended by the Barrie Police in doing the right things; not accepting a ride from a stranger and reporting what had taken place to a parent.

The Barrie Police Service, through ongoing education with our elementary school aged children often speak to them with regards to issues related to “Stranger Danger” and these children no doubt have heard and understand this message.

The incident appears to have been isolated as no other reports of a similar nature have been received. Parents are encouraged to use this example and speak to their children and remind them of the dangers that can be attributed to speaking to or accepting a ride from a stranger.

The safety of all the children in our community is a priority of the Barrie Police and through our Schools Resources Unit, these important messages continue to be taught to children of all ages.

************************