Police in Richmond are appealing for witnesses following an attempted kidnapping, which investigators believe was targeted and may have involved someone impersonating a police officer.
Richmond RCMP said shortly after 4:15 p.m. on Monday they received a report from a woman who said she was at a local sports facility in the 4300-block of No. 3 Road when she was approached by three men.
The victim reported one of the men was wearing an item marked “police” and carrying a portable radio.
The woman told police a struggle ensued but that she was able to break free. Police added the incident appears to have been targeted but neglected to offer additional details in a statement they released Friday.
Further, according to the police statement, the suspects then left in a black Jeep Cherokee with Alberta plates. Police said they located the same suspect vehicle on fire on Vulcan Way near Knight Street around 10 p.m. the same evening.
Torching vehicles used in crime and attempted crimes has become a hallmark of organized crime in the Vancouver area for years.
“We are aware of information circulating on social media about this investigation. We recognize the alarming nature of this incident and want to assure the public our investigators are working diligently to identify the individuals involved,” said inspector Michael Cohee, officer-in-charge of Richmond RCMP Investigative Services and Community Engagement.
“We recognize the public may be concerned by the fact that one of the suspects alluded to being a police officer.”.
Police warned that anybody approached by somebody claiming to be a police officer should ask the individual to verify their credentials.
“If you are ever approached by someone indicating they are a plainclothes police officer, it is okay to ask for identification to verify their claims,” added Cohee of the Richmond RCMP.
The RCMP released CCTV images of two suspected witnesses who were in the area at the time of the alleged attempted abduction. They are hoping the witnesses will either come forward or that the public can help identify them, based on their clothing and whereabouts at the time of the alleged offence.