Police in Canada are searching for a person dressed in a Cat in the Hat costume who reportedly chased a teenage girl home in West Kelowna, British Columbia. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) shared an image of the costumed figure as part of their appeal for information.
The incident took place along Shamrock Drive in West Kelowna around 9pm on August 24. The teenage girl managed to reach home safely, according to police.
Police statement on the incident
“Regardless of whether the individual intended the behaviour as a joke, following a young person and causing them to fear for their safety is extremely concerning,” said Cpl. Devon Gerrits of the West Kelowna RCMP. “People should understand that behaviour intended as a prank can have serious consequences when it causes another person to reasonably fear for their safety.”
In a statement, police said: “Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are seeking to identify the individual involved. While wearing a costume is not, in itself, a criminal offence, following or pursuing another person in a manner that causes them to reasonably fear for their safety may constitute criminal harassment, depending on the circumstances and evidence gathered during the investigation.”
Possible charges and public appeal
The statement added: “Other potential offences, including assault, uttering threats or intimidation, may also be considered where the evidence supports them.” Police are asking anyone with information to contact the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880, or to provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
The Cat in the Hat children's character has become a viral meme in recent months, with AI-generated images showing the figure in streets and outside homes. In some cases in the US, threats have been made, including against schools.
Similar hoax in Ireland
Last month in Limerick, Ireland, Gardai issued a statement after a person dressed as Cat in the Hat appeared to be wandering the streets at night, standing in driveways, and causing alarm among residents. Gardai explained that the images were not real.
The images first appeared on Facebook, although at the time they were rumoured to have originated on Snapchat, and were accompanied by false reports that authorities were investigating the character's appearance. Fake images of the character also emerged in Glanmire, Cork; Cahir, Tipperary; Curracloe, Wexford; and Broadford Park in Dublin, adding to the online hysteria.
