2 attempted abductions in Waterloo region over the weekend

Suspects and vehicles were able to escape prior to police response in both cases, police say. (Aastha Shetty/ CBC - image credit)
Suspects and vehicles were able to escape prior to police response in both cases, police say. (Aastha Shetty/ CBC - image credit)

Waterloo Regional Police say there were two separate cases of attempted abductions in the region over the weekend.

In the first, a woman was out on a run in the area of Brant Waterloo Road and Ayr Road North in Ayr (North Dumfries township) at around 10:30 p.m. Saturday night when she was approached by a vehicle, police say.

Police said in a news release that a man then exited the vehicle and made an attempt to physically pull the woman inside. The woman was able to escape and run away from the danger.

The release says the man was believed to be wearing a tracksuit and is described as middle-aged with fair skin and dark hair. Police also believe there were others in the vehicle.

The vehicle is described as a grey, newer-model SUV.

Abduction attempt in Waterloo

Then almost four hours after the incident in Ayr, police received a report of another attempted abduction at approximately 2 a.m. in the area of King Street South and Union Street East in Waterloo.

A release put out by WRPS says a woman was walking when she was approached by an unknown man. The man then sexually assaulted the woman while he attempted to pull her into a vehicle.

Police say the woman was able to break free and run from the situation. She received minor physical injuries as a result.

The man is described in the release as having tanned skin, roughly 5'8" in height, wearing a white shirt and white hat. Police believe the vehicle, reportedly a white sedan, had three other occupants inside.

The vehicle left prior to police arrival.

In both cases, police are asking residents to check security cameras they may have and report any suspicious behaviour.

Investigations are ongoing in both abduction attempts. Anyone with information is asked to contact police or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.