Taxi and van drivers approach girls, prompting Winnipeg police warning

Drivers approached young girls in two separate cases last week, including one where a taxi driver tried to grab a 13-year-old, police say.

The 13-year-old girl was approached at 8:30 a.m. Thursday by a man drivinga grey taxi near McGee Street and Sargent Avenue, police said in a news release.

The driver got out of the taxi and asked the girl if she wanted a lift, police said. After the girl declined, the man tried to grab her arm, police allege. The girl pushed the driver away and fled the area, said police.

The man was described as 5-foot-10, approximately 40 years old, with a medium build, black moustache and black beard that had a little white in it.He was wearing a black tuque, black sweater and grey or brown pants, said police.

A separateinteraction the same day was also reported to police.

A 14-year-old girl was approachedinthe area of the north back lane of Bannatyne Avenue W. and Cecil Street by a mandrivinga black van at around 1:50 p.m. on Thursday.

The driver was described as bald, about 40 years old, with a deep voice. He was wearing a black jacket, red hat and tinted glasses, police said.

The Division 11 crime unit is investigating both cases. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 204-986-6668 or CrimeStoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).