MAIDSTONE — “We can’t do it alone,” says the Saskatchewan RCMP.
In a release issued Tuesday, RCMP indicated a recent incident in Maidstone turned out not to be a public threat as police and public collaborated in an investigation.
“We often highlight the need for a collaborative approach to police investigations and assistance from the public. One shining example of this collaboration occurred earlier this month in our RCMP Central District - Maidstone Detachment area,” stated the release.
As reported by SASKTODAY.ca last week, on the morning of Nov. 26, two youths were walking in a residential area in Maidstone when they were asked by an adult male parked in a red SUV if they wanted some chocolate. He was not known to them. The youths declined and continued walking. No further interaction occurred between them and the man and the incident was reported later that same afternoon to Maidstone RCMP. Maidstone RCMP issued a news release about the incident on Nov. 30 shortly before 4 p.m.
“In just over 17 hours after the original information about this file was published by our news partners, Cut Knife RCMP received a report from someone who believed they could identify the suspicious person,” says Sgt. Jolyne Harrison, Maidstone RCMP Detachment Commander. “The man identified was indeed the person we were looking to speak with about this incident. Further investigation determined he legitimately was offering chocolate to the two youths and we let him know his generosity could be misunderstood by youth and members of the public.”
At 8:45 a.m. Dec. 1, Cut Knife RCMP received the public tip and a short while later Maidstone RCMP confirm the man’s involvement in this investigation. The family of the youths were updated that the investigation was complete.
“In addition to the community patrols and neighbourhood inquiries, during the course of investigation, the lead police officer was working diligently behind the scenes to identify where the suspicious person was prior to his interaction with the youths,” adds Sgt. Harrison. “Thankfully in this instance, the intent was determined not to be suspicious and the investigation is concluded. A big thank you to the individual who picked up the phone and called us with their tip – it’s a prime example of communities working collaboratively with their local police to help solve open investigations.”
