Police Arrest Driver Who Allegedly Enticed Perth Girl Into His Car on Way to School
In a shocking incident in Perth’s south, a driver has been arrested and is being held in police custody after allegedly enticing a nine-year-old girl into his car as she walked to school on Friday morning. The incident took place outside Koorana Primary school in Warnbro around 8.45am.
According to police reports, the young schoolgirl was approached by an unidentified vehicle before the authorities were notified. The police immediately responded to the situation and launched a search operation to locate the missing child.
Fortunately, the girl was found a short time later at an IGA supermarket in Port Kennedy. She had walked through the store’s back entrance and approached the staff, visibly upset and in tears. She was crying and obviously really upset, said a woman who works at a nearby business.
The immediate action taken by another parent at the school played a crucial role in resolving the case swiftly. The concerned parent witnessed the girl getting into the car and found it suspicious. They promptly reported the incident to the school, who then reached out to the parents. When it was discovered that the child was missing, the police were contacted.
Detective Inspector Scott Johnson, from the Sex Crimes Division, praised the parent’s quick thinking. That’s probably one of the primary reasons that this resolved — a parent noticing that something wasn’t right, seeing a child get into a car when they were almost at school and reporting it straight away, it’s of utmost importance, he said during a press conference.
Following the child’s rescue, the police swiftly located a man in his 30s believed to be linked to the incident. He was taken into custody and is assisting the police with their investigations. The vehicle suspected to be involved was also seized by the authorities.
As a precautionary measure, the girl was taken to Perth Children’s Hospital for a thorough assessment. Additionally, specialist police will conduct an interview with the child to gather further information regarding the incident.
This disturbing incident serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and reporting any suspicious activities or encounters. The authorities commend the actions of the parent who promptly alerted the school, enabling a swift response from the police.
Further updates regarding the investigation are yet to be released by the authorities. The incident has raised concerns in the community, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of children. The incident has sparked discussions surrounding the importance of educating children about personal safety and stranger danger.
As investigations continue, the police are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist them. The incident serves as a reminder to parents, schools, and communities to remain vigilant and prioritize the safety of our children. Together, we can create a safer environment for our young ones to thrive in.
