Calgary police have laid charges against a man believed to have sexually assault a 12-year-old girl earlier this week in the southeast community of Walden.
Investigators say on Sunday, Sept 15, around 3 p.m., the victim and her 13-year-old friend were riding their bikes near Walgrove Landing SE, when they were approached by a man they didn’t know asking for help finding his dog. Police say the man offered the girls candy in exchange for their help.
The children thought they had seen a dog off leash running in the area and agreed to help.
According to police, the 13-year-old started to ride their bike a short distance away trying to find the dog. The 12-year-old girl stayed with the man, at which time investigators believe he sexually assaulted her.
Police were called and witnesses in the area apparently directly officers to the suspect. He was then arrested.
Fifty-three-year-old Sarath Gration Peiris of Calgary has been charged with sexual assault and sexual interference with a child under the age of 16.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
“We want to thank witnesses who were in the area at the time of the incident and reported information to police,” Det. Darren Lepp of the Calgary Police Service Child Abuse Unit said. “Due to their swift actions, our officers were able to locate and arrest the suspect immediately. As the saying goes, if you see something, say something, and this is an example of members of the community recognizing suspicious behaviour and reporting it.”
The victim and her friend are receiving support from the LUNA Child & Youth Advocacy Centre.
Police encourage anyone who believes they are a victim of sexual assault to report it regardless of when it happened.
Anyone with information about this case or similar incidents, is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234 or tip anonymously through CrimeStoppers.