VANCOUVER Police are investigating an attempted child abduction in South Vancouver that occurred on Wednesday afternoon and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect.

“A young girl was approached, she listened to her gut and knew something wasn’t right,” said Constable Tania Visintin on Thursday. “She was able to get to a place of safety before the situation escalated.”

On Wednesday at about 3:30 p.m., a 13-year-old girl was walking home from school near Kerr Street and South East Marine Drive when she was followed by a man driving a black, four-door, newer model sedan with a grey interior. The driver stopped and told the girl to get into his vehicle.

The driver is described as a white man with a dark or tanned complexion. He appeared to be between 25 and 35 years old and between 5’9″ and 6′ tall with an athletic build.  He has short dark brown hair and dark brown stubble on his face.  He was wearing a black short-sleeved t-shirt and “Ray-Ban” style sunglasses. It appeared the man had a clear plastic wrap over a tattoo on his neck.

“Investigators are looking to speak to the driver of this black sedan or anyone who may have information about this incident. Furthermore, police are looking for information about any male who may have recently obtained a tattoo on his neck,” said Visintin.

Police are urging residents in the area to be cautious and call 9-1-1 immediately to report suspicious activity. Anyone with information or anyone with dash cam video from October 14 between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. in the area of Kerr Street and South East Marine Drive is asked to call investigators at 604-717-0603 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.