A 65-year-old man is now facing charges in connection with the kidnapping of a four-year-old girl in London.
At a Tuesday afternoon news conference, London police Sergeant Dave Poustie announced that Lawrence Allen Thompson of London is charged with abduction of a person under 14 years of age, kidnapping, sexual assault of a person under 16 years of age, and sexual interference with a person under 16 years of age.
Thompson was arrested Monday, a day after the girl was kidnapped as she played with a sibling on Melsandra Ave. According to police, around 9:15am, a man stopped his car, got out, grabbed the girl and put her in his car before driving off. It's alleged he touched her inappropriately while she was in the car. When the car stopped, she was able to get out and run home.
A witness who saw the man take the girl called 911. That witness deserves to be commended, according to Sergeant Poustie.
Police say there was a full court press by investigators in the search for a suspect.
"There were dozens of sworn officers and civilians assigned to this case, working tirelessly to bring this investigation to a successful resolution and bring some peace of mind to the victim's family and the community at large," Sergeant Poustie told reporters. "While I can't go into specific details as the case is before the courts, I can tell you that the investigation involved several branches of the police service and included obtaining and reviewing video footage that may have captured the suspect vehicle, speaking to residents who have seen anything, and following up on tips from the public."
Sergeant Poustie said while the victim was not physically injured, she was understandably traumatized.
"We're providing support to her to help her through this. It's obviously a difficult situation for anybody, especially a young child," he said.
While the accused is not known to the victim's family, Poustie could not say if he is known to police, citing the ongoing investigation. He also couldn't say exactly how long the victim was in the vehicle.
Poustie also stressed that, even with an arrest having been made, it's important for the community to remain vigilant and for parents to talk to their kids about their safety.
"It's important for people to review with their children safety tips and it's important to reiterate to kids that, if they're uncomfortable with a situation to get out of that situation and tell a parent," he said.
Police are thanking the public for its help in the investigation. They're also asking anyone with any information to call (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to www.londoncrimestoppers.com