2026-09-10 10:00:13
Police are hunting a bizarre suspect dressed as the Cat in the Hat after a teenage girl was allegedly chased through a Canadian neighbourhood.
The youngster was walking in West Kelowna, B.C., when she was reportedly followed by someone wearing the full costume of the famous Dr Seuss character.
RCMP have released a photograph showing the mystery figure standing on a street at night wearing the distinctive red-and-white striped hat and black-and-white outfit.
The girl managed to reach home safely, but police have yet to identify the suspect.
West Kelowna RCMP described the incident as a “concerning prank” and warned that dressing as the children’s character is not itself a crime.
However, following someone in a way that makes them fear for their safety could potentially amount to criminal harassment.
Cpl Devon Gerrits said: “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.
“People should understand that behaviour intended as a prank can have serious consequences when it causes another person to reasonably fear for their safety.”
The incident happened at around 9pm on August 24 in the 2000 block of Shamrock Drive.
Police are appealing for anyone with dashcam or security footage from the area at the time to come forward.
Parents have also been urged to speak to their children about what to do if they believe they are being followed.
Police advise youngsters to head towards a safe and populated location, contact a trusted adult and call 911 if they are in immediate danger.
The Cat in the Hat first appeared in the 1957 children’s book of the same name by American author Theodor “Dr Seuss” Geisel.
The mischievous character later appeared on the big screen in the 2003 live-action film starring Canadian actor Mike Myers.
But the West Kelowna sighting has given the familiar character a far more sinister twist, with police stressing that what may have been intended as a joke can have serious consequences.
The suspect remains unidentified and police have not released further details about the alleged encounter.
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