Richmond RCMP seek witnesses after attempted kidnapping, vehicle fire

Richmond RCMP shared photos of two witnesses to the alleged kidnapping attempt. (Richmond RCMP)

Police in Richmond are looking to identify to witnesses to an alleged attempted kidnapping that occurred earlier this week.

The victim was at “a local sports facility” in the 4300 block of No. 3 Road around 4:15 p.m. Monday when she was approached by three men, Richmond RCMP said in a statement Thursday.

One of the three men was allegedly wearing something labelled “police” and carrying a portable radio, Mounties said.

The victim told police she resisted the kidnapping and was able to escape. The suspects fled the area in a black Jeep Cherokee with an Alberta licence plate, police said.

That vehicle was later found on fire in the 13000 block of Vulcan Way, around 10 p.m., according to police, who said evidence gathered so far suggests the kidnapping attempt was targeted.

“We are aware of information circulating on social media about this investigation,” said Insp. Michael Cohee, officer in charge of investigative services and community engagement for the Richmond RCMP.

“We recognize the alarming nature of this incident and want to assure the public our investigators are working diligently to identify the individuals involved.”

Cohee did not elaborate on the social media posts to which he was referring.

“We recognize the public may be concerned by the fact that one of the suspects alluded to being a police officer,” he added. “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.”

Asked for clarification about which sports facility in the area was the site of the incident, Richmond RCMP confirmed it was the ClearOne Badminton Centre.

Police are asking anyone who was in the area between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Monday, or in the 13000 block of Vulcan Way between 4 and 6 p.m. or between 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. the same day to reach out to them.

“We know there were people walking past the area at the time the alleged attempted kidnapping took place,” said Cpl. Adriana O’Malley, in the release.

“Our investigators are hoping to identify and speak with two particular witnesses, which is why we are releasing their photographs.”

Police did not specify a gender for either witness. They described the first person as Asian and said the witness was wearing a black jacket, a blue shirt, white pants and white running shoes, and was carrying a white-and-black umbrella.

The second witness was wearing a grey jacket, grey pants, white running shoes, black glasses and carrying a pink purse, police said.

Those two witnesses and anyone else with information is asked to contact the Richmond RCMP by calling 604-278-1212 and quoting file number 2025-13199. Tips can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers.