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Mysterious black truck has community on edge

Jan 21, 2011 | 10:29 AM

A Saskatchewan mother says her son cannot sleep at night.

The RCMP continue to investigate an alleged attempted child abduction that took place in Birch Hills on the morning of Jan. 14.

The 13-year-old was on his way to school, when he was allegedly approached by a man in a black truck.

The boy's mother, who did not wish to have her name published, spoke to paNOW staff.

“The guy yelled at him to get in the truck…get in the truck….and (her son) said no, I'm on my way to school. And the guy got out of the truck was yelling at him and (her son) took off running and went down the alley and hid. He stayed there for about 20 minutes before he came home.”

The mother said the incident is very fresh in her son's mind.

“My son can't go to school by himself, hasn't been able to all week. My son can't sleep at night. My son can't stay asleep at night.”

The RCMP describe the vehicle in question, as a mid-90’s, extended cab, black truck with rusted wheel wells.

The man is described as being in his 30's, with darker skin and black hair. He was wearing a black ball cap.

Meanwhile there have been reports of a second attempted child abduction involving the black truck – this time in Prince Albert.

A 12-year-old boy told his parents that the man stole his phone.

According to RCMP, the boy made-up the story.

“Actually had lost a high end cell phone and was looking to avert some repercussions against himself,” said Sgt. John Mansbridge.

Mansbridge said the boy has been spoken to and he feels certain he understands the circumstances of his actions.

Meanwhile RCMP is asking anyone with information about the suspicious black truck, to call RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

nmaxwell@panow.com