An Airdrie man is facing serious criminal charges following a multi-month investigation into a series of sexual assaults that targeted shoppers across the Calgary region, according to RCMP.
The 30-year-old suspect was arrested Thursday and charged with six counts of sexual assault — four in Airdrie and two in Calgary. He has been released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Airdrie on October 1.
Timeline of Incidents
The assaults began in mid-August, with the first reported incident occurring on August 12 at an Airdrie Walmart, where a woman was inappropriately grabbed by a man who then left without confrontation.
A second similar incident was reported at the same Walmart location on August 29. Then on September 17, two women were assaulted at an Airdrie No Frills store. During the second incident at that location, a confrontation ensued before the suspect fled.
Staff Sergeant Steve Brown of Airdrie RCMP told reporters Friday that investigators are still seeking to identify two of the female victims from the No Frills incident and are urging them to come forward.
Cross-Border Investigation
The investigation expanded when Calgary Police Service alerted Airdrie RCMP to two similar incidents occurring in Calgary — one at a Walmart and another at a Shoppers Drug Mart. Investigators linked the cases through consistent physical descriptions, clothing, and the repeated use of a red SUV across all six incidents.
"This investigation demonstrates the strong partnership between the RCMP and the Calgary Police Service and reflects our shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and maintaining the trust of the communities that we serve," Brown said during a media briefing.
Public Safety Reminder
Authorities are urging anyone who believes they may be a victim or who has information about these incidents to contact police immediately. Tips can be reported to Airdrie RCMP at 1-866-306-4636 (toll-free in Canada).
The case underscores the importance of community vigilance and inter-agency cooperation in addressing public safety concerns across the Calgary metropolitan area.
This article was originally reported by CBC Calgary. For the complete investigation details, visit CBC News Calgary.