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UPDATE: Fernie man released on bail for attempting to lure boy at park

A Fernie man has been charged and released on bail following an attempt to lure a child from Cranbrook Rotary Park on Tuesday.

A Fernie man has been charged and released on bail following an attempt to lure a child from Cranbrook Rotary Park on Tuesday.

Frederick Hayden McDowell, 46, appeared in British Columbia Provincial Court on July 23 before Judge Grant Sheard.

McDowell is facing two charges relating to an incident that happened at Cranbrook Rotary Park on July 21, after RCMP officers responded to a call where the accused was in the change room and allegedly made comments to a male child about being a police officer.

The child ran past the man, left the change room and went and found his father in the park.

Police immediately responded to the area and within minutes, located the suspect and took him into custody.

McDowell is charged with forcible confinement (kidnapping) and personating a peace officer.

He has been released on $500 bail and will appear in court on Aug. 31 at 9 a.m.