North Vancouver cautions public after suspicious incident near Westview Elementary

NORTH Vancouver RCMP are advising the public of a suspicious male that was seen allegedly carrying a knife near a North Vancouver elementary school.

On Tuesday, May 28 at 3:35 p.m., police were dispatched to a weapon’s call at Westview Elementary located at 641 17th Street West. Two callers reported seeing a male carrying what they said was a knife near the school. One of the callers also advised that the male had allegedly approached a female student in an aggressive manner before eventually leaving the area on foot without incident.

Officers conducted extensive patrols in the neighbourhoods surrounding the school but were unable to locate the man. The investigation is currently ongoing and police are exploring all possible avenues to identify the individual involved.

“This was a concerning interaction for the youth, staff and parents of students that attend Westview Elementary,” said North Vancouver RCMP Media Relations Officer, Constable Mansoor Sahak. “We want to assure the North Vancouver community that there is no continued risk to public safety. However, we’re sharing these details to increase awareness and encourage the individual himself, or anyone that may have been in the area at the time, to come forward with more information.”

The suspicious male is described as white, 25-30 years old, approximately six feet tall with a slim build. He may also be unhoused. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie and dark jeans heading in the direction of Carson Graham Secondary.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file #24-10340. Anyone who wishes to provide information but who wants to remain anonymous can contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).