In a shocking incident that rattled the community of New Liskeard, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a 27-year-old man, Travis Prentice, with child abduction following the disappearance of a six-year-old child over the weekend.

The event unfolded on Sunday, September 21, 2025, shortly before 2:45 p.m., when police received a report regarding a missing child from a residence in downtown New Liskeard. According to the OPP, the investigation revealed that the child had interacted with the accused before accompanying him to a local park. Fortunately, a concerned citizen found the child unharmed shortly afterward and returned them to their family, highlighting the importance of community vigilance in such situations.

The OPP acted swiftly, apprehending Prentice in the vicinity where the child was located. However, the situation escalated further when an officer was assaulted during the arrest. The officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was subsequently treated at a local hospital, underscoring the risks that law enforcement officers face daily in their line of duty.

As a result of this incident, Prentice has been charged with several serious offences, including:

• Abduction of a person under 14 - take or entice

• Fail to comply with probation order - four counts

• Assault a peace officer with a weapon

Prentice, who has no fixed address, remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Haileybury Ontario Court of Justice on October 14, 2025. The case has sparked conversations in the community about child safety and the responsibilities of parents and caregivers to protect their children from potential dangers.

The OPP has taken this opportunity to remind parents and guardians to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring the safety of their children. They encourage open communication and awareness of children’s whereabouts, especially in public spaces.

As this case develops, the community of New Liskeard continues to rally around the importance of safety and support for families involved in such harrowing situations. The OPP’s quick response and the concerned citizen’s actions undoubtedly played crucial roles in ensuring the child’s safe return.

As Canadians, we take our children’s safety seriously, and incidents like these serve as a reminder for all of us to stay alert and engaged in our communities.