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Urgent Special Announcement
Published on Nov 2, 2017 15:12
November 2, 2017
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I’m writing to make you aware of an incident which occurred outside one of the public elementary schools in the Bradford West Gwillimbury community yesterday afternoon. A 15 year-old female was approached by an unknown male on Professor Day Drive. The South Simcoe Police subsequently contacted our school board and they have asked us to share the attached media release with our community.
If you have any information about this incident, or notice any suspicious behaviour in our community, please contact South Simcoe Police immediately. Officers are setting up a command post tomorrow morning, near where the incident occurred, as an extra precaution and to gather additional information.
We encourage you to review the safety guidelines (outlined in the news release) with your child. As always, the safety of our students is our top priority. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school directly or if you have information pertaining to this investigation contact South Simcoe Police or Crime Stoppers.
Sincerely,
Brian McKenzie
Principal
MEDIA RELEASE
South Simcoe Police Service 2137
Innisfil Beach Road, Innisfil Ontario L9S 1A2
For Immediate Release
Date: Nov 2, 2017
Released by: Staff Sergeant S. Wilson
Contact: S/Sgt Steve Wilson
Phone: 905-775-3311 or 705-436-2141 ext # 2016
Fax: 905-778-4346
Email: [email protected]
Assault
(Bradford, ON) South Simcoe Police are currently investigating an assault that occurred outside an Elementary School on Professor Day Drive in the Town of West Gwillimbury on Wednesday, November 1st at approximately 3:15p.m.
The victim, a 15 year old female was standing outside the school, when she was approached by an unknown male. The male approached her from behind and wrapped both his arms around her. The victim attempted to alert a female bystander who was standing in the immediate area, at which time the suspect put his hand over the victim's mouth.
The bystander noticed the interaction and indicated she was calling police. The suspect released the victim and fled on foot, southbound in a field which is located south of the school towards Blue Dasher Boulevard.
The suspect is described as:
- Male White
- 5'10", Thin Build
- In his 50's or 60's
- Bloodshot eyes
- White hair. Full white beard
- Wearing glasses
- White and black striped toque
- Black hooded sweater
- Blue Jeans
- Black Shoes
South Simcoe Police are appealing for the bystander who intervened in this occurrence or any witnesses to call the Criminal Investigations Bureau at (905) 775-3311 extension or Crime Stoppers. Although the occurrence did not happen on school property, South Simcoe Police are working with the Simcoe County District School Board and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic School Board to alert students and parents as this occurrence happened within close proximity to an elementary school and two high schools.
Police are providing the following safety tips for students:
- If your child walks to school or to the bus stop, try to arrange a walking buddy or group.
- If your child walks to school, make sure they go along main routes that are well-travelled, rather than taking shortcuts through deserted areas.
- Develop a "what if" game for your child to get them thinking about how they would respond if they felt threatened or afraid.
- Know who your child is with and where they go. This includes keeping a list of their friend's addresses and phone numbers.
- Teach your children where and how to get help. Go with them on their regularly travelled routes and identify safe places to go for help.
- Teach your child to talk to you immediately when someone does anything that makes them feel strange or uncomfortable. Listen when your child is trying to tell you about something that bothers them and provide them with support and understanding.
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