Police in Red Deer are asking parents to talk to their kids about any interactions they may have had with a man known as “candyman” who is accused of luring and sexually assaulting a minor.
Red Deer RCMP say they received reports on Aug. 10 of an elderly man who was offering candy to several children on different occasions.
It is further alleged the man would invite the kids to his apartment and then sexually assault them.
Residents in Red Deer are being advised to be alert and speak to their children about conversations they may have had with a man who goes by “candyman,” claims he is in his 30s, offers them candy and asks for their phone number.
“Given the nature of the allegations, we believe there are other victims who may be afraid to talk about it,” says RCMP Sgt. Gary Kroeker in a statement. “We want to give others the opportunity to come forward and assure them they are safe to talk to us.”
“We will follow up on the information they provide, and we will connect them with the resources they need to get through this.”
RCMP say 71-year-old Red Deer resident Terry Haskell is facing six charges including sexual interference with a minor and sexual assault of a child under 16.
Police say there is no further threat to public safety since the suspect remains in custody.
Anyone with further information, including anyone who thinks their child may have been a victim, are being urged to contact police.