N.B. RCMP warns of AI image related to reported child abduction attempt

An RCMP sleeve patch is pictured. (CTV file photo)

An image circulating online that claims to depict the van and suspects involved in an alleged child abduction attempt in Lake George, N.B., was generated by AI, according to the RCMP.

New Brunswick RCMP says it’s aware of the image and encourages the public to rely on information shared through its official channels.

“The image was not created, approved, or released by the RCMP,” reads a social media post from police on Friday. “As it appears to have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI), we cannot verify the accuracy of the vehicle, suspect descriptions, or any other details depicted.”

RCMP responded to a report of an attempted child abduction on Sunset Cove Lane near Ewart Hyde Road between 10:45 a.m. and 11:05 a.m. on Thursday.

Police spoke with witnesses and the child involved.

“The investigation has determined that a 10-year-old girl was approached by three men travelling in an older-model white passenger van. The vehicle was described as having rust along the bottom and front, scratches on the rear driver’s-side door, and a Nova Scotia licence plate with the last two digits believed to be ’28,’” reads a news release.

The child reported seeing stickers on the licence plate, including one of a dog.

Police describe the three men as white and English-speaking, wearing black balaclavas and dark T-Shirts.

One of the suspects reportedly has a skull tattoo on the inner part of his right forearm, with lines extending up the arm.

“One of the men allegedly opened the sliding door of the van and attempted to coax the child into the vehicle. The child was able to get away safely and was not physically injured.”

Police urge anyone with information or footage from the area at the time to contact the Keswick RCMP detachment at 506-357-4300. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.

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