June 9 Release:
Kings District RCMP is seeking information from the public to identify a person involved in a sexual assault against a youth victim in Canning.
On June 6, at approximately 3:40 p.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of a sexual assault that occurred on a walking trail between Northeast Kings Education Centre and the Glooscap District Arena.
Responding officers learned that approximately 10 minutes prior, a male assaulted then sexually assaulted a youth victim who was walking to the arena from the school.
A search of the area, assisted by RCMP Police Dog Services, was not successful in locating the suspect.
At this time, the male, who approached the victim from behind, is believed to be a youth. He is described as white, 5-foot-5 and heavy build. At time of the incident, he was wearing a ski mask, a red shirt and winter gloves.
“I want to assure everyone in our communities that this investigation is a top priority for us. We have engaged various specialized units to assist our committed local investigators”, says S/Sgt. Ed Nugent, King District RCMP. “We encourage anyone who may have information about the incident to contact us. You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.”
June 13 Release:
Kings District RCMP has charged a youth in relation to a sexual assault of another youth that occurred on June 6.
On June 12, Kings District RCMP arrested a youth in relation to the sexual assault and executed a search warrant at a home in Canning where investigators located items supporting the investigation.
“The courage the victim showed in fighting off their attacker was tremendous. Sexual assaults are an afront to society and, as in this case, have the power to inflict paralyzing fear in a community,” says Supt. Jason Popik, Southwest Nova District Policing Officer. “Through the support of the victim and their family, the Kings District investigators and street crime enforcement unit members identified and charged the accused, which will hopefully bring reassurance to the victim and their family as well as the community.”
The youth has been charged with Assault, Sexual Assault and Disguise with Intent. They were released pending a court appearance in youth court on July 24.
The investigation was led by Kings District general duty and General Investigative Section and the Southwest Nova Street Crime Enforcement Unit, with assistance of the RCMP’s Investigative Assistance Team.
Kings District RCMP would like to thank the public for their support through numerous investigative tips and leads.
If you have experienced sexual violence, you are not alone. The elimination of gender-based and sexual violence continues to be a priority for the Nova Scotia RCMP, and the RCMP employs a trauma-informed approach. Survivor support is available and you can contact us and discuss an incident before deciding to further participate in the investigation and court process.
