Mercier police search for minivan, multiple suspects after alleged attempted kidnapping

A Mercier Police cruiser is seen in this file photo. (SOURCE: Ville de Mercier)

Officials in Mercier, a town about half an hour away from Montreal, are asking for the public’s help in regards to an alleged attempted kidnapping that occurred on Sunday.

According to town authorities, the incident happened at 3:30 p.m. near 500 Salaberry Blvd. West.

“A group of four young teenagers were riding their bikes westbound when a light grey Toyota Sienna van, occupied by six to eight young people aged 16 to 18, slowed down next to them,” a Facebook post by Mercier officials states. “The suspects first made inappropriate comments, then made several U-turns around the group.”

On the van’s third circle around the children, “the sliding door of the vehicle opened and two occupants attempted to grab a 12-year-old girl who was riding with her friends.”

“Frightened due to the proximity of the vehicle, the young cyclist lost control of her bike and fell to the ground,” officials note, adding the van drove away towards Sainte-Martine Street.

Police are looking for a pale grey Toyota Sienna, perhaps a 2016 model, with untinted windows, as well as six to eight French-speaking male suspects aged 16 to 18 years old.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Jean-Luc Montpetit at 450-691-6090, ext. 808 or e-mail at [e-mail]