Police are looking for a man who tried to abduct an 11-year-old boy in the area of Simpson Avenue and Besant Street on Saturday.

The boy was walking alone in the area around 4 p.m. when a car drove up, parked behind him, and the driver got out and yelled at the boy to get in the car, police said.

When the boy tried to run away, the suspect grabbed his wrist and dragged him towards the vehicle. The boy started yelling and hitting the suspect’s arm, managing to break free.

He then ran home and told a parent, who called police.

The boy suffered a minor injury, police said.

The suspect’s vehicle was last seen turning onto Besant Street.

 

The suspect is described as aboriginal in appearance, about 24 years old, medium build, fair complexion, between 6 feet 3 inches (190 centimetres) and 6 feet 6 inches (198 centimetres) tall, dark medium-length hair, a goatee and moustache, stained yellowing and missing teeth.

He had a tattoo of a cross with a chain looping through it. He wore a black hoodie with some white on the front, black pants with a hole in the left knee, black shoes with white trim around the sole, and sunglasses.

The vehicle is described as a newer model black van, tinted windows, possibly a Dodge Caravan with rust on the back, and red colouring on the back bumper.

Anyone with information can call detectives at 204-986-2857 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).