Quick thinking by a school administrator is being credited for helping police apprehend a man suspected of trying to abduct a young girl near her school earlier this week.
Police said officers were called to the area of 45 Street and 137 Avenue at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, after an alleged abduction of a nine-year-old girl was reported.
The girl had fought off a man, by kicking him, and then screaming and running away – after he attempted to put a cloth with a noxious substance on her face.
The suspect then fled the scene in his vehicle.
The girl was able to give a detailed description of events to police, along with a description of the accused and his vehicle.
Afterwards, police contacted a number of schools in the area with information on what had happened – including a description of the vehicle.
On Thursday, police were called by an administrator from another school, who had seen a vehicle matching their description circling in the area.
Police quickly arrived on the scene – where they found and tracked the vehicle, before arresting a suspect.
As a result, 53-year-old Rodrigo Tavares is facing charges of kidnapping and administering a noxious substance.
The accused appeared in court Friday - but he did not yet have a lawyer.
The case was put over for two weeks.
Tavares remains in custody.
