An Older Man's 'Random Act of Kindness' Seen as Suspicious, Reported to Authorities

An older man giving chocolates to children in the streets was reported for his suspicious acts.

The man, who the authorities declined to name, was described in the Hanover Police Service's press release as a "suspicious older male." The press release on Chief of Police Christopher Knoll's Twitter account stated that the authorities are investigating two incidents involving this "suspicious older male."

One incident was of the man exiting from his parked car between 9th and 10th Streets in Hanover, Ontario, Canada, and approaching a youth walking home from school on Wednesday afternoon. The man offered the kid a box of "Pot of Gold" chocolates. When the kid did not accept the chocolates, it was reported that he "insisted," stating that he could give the candies to his mom.

The other incident happened the next day, March 2, at around 5:30 P.M. The "suspicious older male," who was driving a black Volkswagen SUV, was said to be circling blocks of 14th and 9th Avenues and stopping a few times to take photos of children playing in the backyard.

Motives, 'pure and genuine'

In an updated Twitter post by the Chief of Police, they informed the public that they were already able to find the man in question in the first incident, who is not the same and has nothing to do with the second.

Authorities identified and interviewed the man and concluded that he was actually doing a random act of kindness, People reported.

"They handed out chocolates to several people of varying ages inspired by random act of kindness. Police determined the motives were pure and genuine," Knoll proclaimed.

Random Act of Kindness Day

Further, the authorities stated that the man was just participating and motivated by the Random Act of Kindness Day and would just want to "spread a little joy" that day, according to ABC 7.

Random Acts of Kindness Day happens every February 17 of the year. The organization, Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, aims to "make kindness the norm." They created this celebration to build awareness that it is possible for the world to be intentional in doing and encouraging acts of kindness.

A commenter from Twitter replied to Knoll's updated tweet about the investigation result and expressed that being accused of something while only having good intentions was "just sad." The Twitter user also emphasized that this may be why people are so anxious nowadays.

Regarding the other incident, Knoll stated that they are continuing the investigation and the search for the black Volkswagen SUV. They are also asking the people of Hanover to immediately contact the authorities for any information about this other "suspicious older male" circling the neighborhood.

In the meantime, and while the investigation is ongoing, the authorities are encouraging parents to speak to their children and discuss street safety and the danger of talking to strangers.