An Airdrie man faces six sexual assault charges after a series of retail attacks. The RCMP announced the charges on Friday after linking incidents in Airdrie and Calgary.
Four retail attacks spanning Airdrie Walmarts and No Frills
The investigation into the suspect's activities began in mid-August and targeted high-traffic shopping environments. According to the Airdrie RCMP, the first incident was reported on August 12, involving a woman who was inappropriately grabbed while shopping at an Airdrie Walmart.
A second assault occurred at the same Walmart location on August 29. The pattern of behavior escalated on September 17 at the Airdrie No Frills, where two women were reportedly victims of similar inappropriate grabbing. During the second incident at the No Frills, a confrontation took place between one of the victims and the suspect before he fled the scene.
Connecting the crimes via a red SUV and physical traits
The Airdrie RCMP linked the local incidents to two additional sexual assaults that occurred in Calgary at a Walmart and a Shoppers Drug Mart. As the Airdrie RCMP reported,the Calgary Police Service alerted local authorities to these similar incidents, which helped investigators build a broader profile of the suspect.
Police were able to identify the 30-year-old suspect by matching consistent physical characteristics and clothing across the different crime scenes.. A critical piece of evidence used to tie the various locations together was the repeated use of a red SUV by the suspect during the commission of the offenses.
The search for two unidentified No Frills victims
Law enforcement officials are still working to identify the two women who were targeted at the Airdrie No Frills on September 17. Airdrie RCMP Staff Sgt.. Steve Brown has issued a public plea for these victims to come forward and speak with investigators.
While the suspect is currently in custody, the identities of these two specific women remain an open question in the ongoing investigation.. The RCMP is asking anyone who may have information regarding these victims or the circumstances of the September 17 confrontation to contact the detachment immediately.
A multi-agency response between Airdrie and Calgary police
The arrest of the Airdrie man was made possible through a coordinated effort between the Airdrie RCMP and the Calgary Police Service. Staff Sgt. Steve Brown stated that the investigation demonstrates a strong partnership between the two agencies and reflects their commitment to maintaining commuity trust.
The 30-year-old suspect has been released on conditions and is scheduled to appear beefore the Alberta Court of Justice in Airdrie on October 1. The incidents have caused significant concern within the Airdrie community, a major bedroom community located just north of Calgary.
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