The following RCMP media release and letter from Peace Wapiti Public School Division are in response to an incident that took place this morning, Wednesday, May 1, 2019, near Clairmont Community School. Both the media release and the letter were sent home with students of Clairmont Community School. 

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RCMP Media Release: 

May 1, 2019

Grande Prairie RCMP Seek the Public's Assistance with Investigation

Grande Prairie, Alberta -On May 1, 2019, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Grande Prairie Rural RCMP responded to a call in Clairmont, Alta. A youth had been walking on the sidewalk when suspect driving a vehicle approached the youth wanting to take a picture. The youth ran away from the location. The vehicle is described as a newer model white sedan with a black stripe on the front bumper and black and yellow tire rims.

The suspect is described as;

• Caucasian male in late teens early 20's.
• Light blue eyes
• Beard
• Wearing a red hat and black zip up hoodie.
  

If you have any information about this incident, please contact the Grande Prairie RCMP at 780-830-5701 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

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Letter to Families of Clairmont Community School: 

May 1, 2019 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

School staff talked to all Kindergarten to Grade 8 students about staying safe while traveling to and from school. We ask you to reinforce the same messages with your children. 

• Walk with a buddy when possible.
• If someone approaches you, run for safety and yell. Tell an adult immediately.
• Always ensure a trusted adult knows where you are. 
  

Please discuss and role-play the following scenarios with your children. 

Do Not Accept Rides – Reinforce to your children that they are never to get into a car with anyone, unless they have permission from their parents. Play several "What If" scenarios with your children to find out their level of understanding on the topic. If anyone follows them in a vehicle, they should turn around, go in the other direction, and run to a trusted adult who will help them.

Say No And Run - Teach your children that if anyone bothers them, or makes them feel scared or uncomfortable to trust their feelings and immediately get away from that person.

Check First - Ensure that your children will always tell a parent or their teacher where they will be at all times. Make sure they check with home first before changing plans before and after school. Teach your children never to leave school with anyone, unless they check first with you or another trusted adult, even if the new person tells them it is an emergency.

Sincerely,

Superintendent Bob Stewart,
Peace Wapiti Public School Division