Mounties on Vancouver Island are appealing for the public’s help to identify a man involved in what they describe as a “suspicious incident” earlier this week.
The Comox Valley RCMP says a student reported that a man dressed as a clown approached her and offered her a ride and candy.
She was reportedly walking home from school along 16th Street between Grieve and McPhee avenues in Courtenay, at about 2:35 p.m. on Thursday when the incident occurred. Police say officers were sent to the area immediately and canvassed for witnesses and video.
The detachment provided a detailed description of the man: tall with shaggy brown hair hanging around his face—and possibly bright green streaks—blue eyes, and a “slight belly.” He was wearing black shoes, brightly coloured clothing, a black clown nose and his face was painted white.
“This person would have likely stood out in any setting,” said Const. Monika Terragni in a police statement Friday.
“Even if you saw someone matching this description outside of the immediate area where the incident occurred—before or after—it could still be relevant to our investigation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any information, including his identity or surveillance footage.”
She added, “This is a good reminder to have age-appropriate conversations with the children in your care about personal safety and being cautious around strangers. Conversations like these don’t have to be scary—they’re about empowering kids to trust their instincts and know what to do.”
Police asked anyone with information to call the Comox Valley detachment at 250-338-1321 and reference file number 2025-5463, or leave an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
