Child approached by stranger at Hamilton school

A child was approached by a stranger outside a Hamilton school, with the stranger claiming he was there to pick the child up.

At 3 p.m. on Nov. 20, a man approached a 10-year-old near a school near Melrose Ave. and Cannon St. However, Hamilton Police said, “The vigilant child, sensing something was off, smartly walked away.” The man was last seen about a block south near Lottridge St. towards King St. The incident was not reported at the time.

Police describe the man as white with short blonde hair. He stood between six-foot and six-foot-two. He had no facial hair but had ear, nose, and possibly lip piercings. Both his hands had tattoos and he was wearing a dark blue coat and grey sweatpants.

Investigators are asking anyone with information or security camera footage from around that time to come forward. Anyone with information can call police at (905)546-2963 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Police wanted to “stress the importance of discussing safety options with children when interacting with strangers. Parents and guardians are encouraged to foster open communication and emphasize the significance of walking away from anyone who makes them uncomfortable. In the event of such an encounter, children should promptly report it to a trusted adult.”