Greenstone OPP Seek Public Help After Reported Attempted Abduction in Longlac

LONGLAC — Greenstone Ontario Provincial Police are asking for public assistance after a student from Notre Dame de Fatima French School reported being grabbed by a man and pulled toward a beige-coloured vehicle Wednesday morning.

The incident is a serious safety concern for Longlac, Greenstone and families across Northwestern Ontario, where school routes, rural roads and community surveillance can play a critical role in helping police identify suspects and vehicles.

Student Escaped and Reached School Safely

OPP say the incident happened Wednesday, May 6, at about 8:45 a.m. in the area of Nishnabe Miikena Road and Picnic Point Road in Longlac.

Police report that the student was approached by a beige-coloured vehicle occupied by two men. One of the men allegedly got out of the vehicle, grabbed the student by the hand and attempted to pull her toward the vehicle.

The student was able to escape and safely reach the school.

Greenstone OPP are continuing to investigate and are asking anyone who was in the area at the time to check dashcam video, home surveillance or business security footage.

Suspect and Vehicle Descriptions Released by Police

The vehicle is described as beige-coloured.

Police describe the driver as a white male, in his late 30s to early 40s, with thin, light-coloured hair. He was reportedly wearing a white jacket with red detailing around the cuffs.
The passenger is described as a tall Black male, also in his late 30s to early 40s, with black hair. Police say he was wearing a black hat, a black shirt with a white cat on the front and an unzipped brown sweater.

Anyone with information is asked to call Greenstone OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through Ontario Crime Stoppers online.

Criminal Code Context: What Police May Consider

No charges have been announced. Police have not identified an accused person, and any person charged in connection with this investigation would be presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Depending on the evidence, investigators and Crown counsel may consider several Criminal Code provisions. Attempt liability under section 24 applies where a person intends to commit an offence and does something for the purpose of carrying out that intention, even if the offence is not completed. Section 463 sets out penalties for attempted indictable offences, including a maximum of 14 years where the completed offence carries a potential life sentence.

Kidnapping under section 279 involves taking a person with intent to confine or imprison them against their will, transport them out of Canada against their will, or hold them for ransom or service. A completed kidnapping offence is indictable and can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Section 279 also includes forcible confinement, which can carry up to 10 years on indictment.

Where a child under 14 is involved, section 281 of the Criminal Code addresses abduction by a person who is not a parent, guardian or lawful caregiver. That offence applies where a person unlawfully takes, entices away, conceals, detains, receives or harbours the child with intent to deprive a parent or guardian of possession of the child. The maximum penalty on indictment is 10 years in prison.

The reported grabbing of the student’s hand may also be relevant to assault provisions. Under section 265, assault includes intentionally applying force to another person without consent. Section 266 provides that assault can proceed by indictment, with a maximum penalty of five years, or as a summary conviction offence.

For hybrid offences that proceed summarily, the general Criminal Code penalty is a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to two years less a day, or both, unless another penalty is specifically provided. Sentences in any case depend on the facts proven in court, the seriousness of the offence, the offender’s circumstances, aggravating and mitigating factors, and the safety and vulnerability of the victim.

Why This Matters Across the Greenstone Area

Longlac is a close-knit community where school safety depends on fast reporting and public awareness. The alleged incident happened during the morning school period, making dashcam and surveillance footage especially important.

Police are asking residents, drivers and businesses near Nishnabe Miikena Road and Picnic Point Road to review footage from around 8:45 a.m. Wednesday. Even a partial vehicle image, direction of travel or time stamp could assist investigators.

OPP Safety Reminder

OPP remind members of the public to remain aware of their surroundings and to be cautious when approached by unknown individuals. Parents and caregivers may wish to review safety plans with children, including staying in groups where possible, moving toward trusted adults or public places, and reporting suspicious approaches immediately.
Anyone who sees the vehicle or individuals matching the descriptions should not approach them. Call police immediately.