Suspect said to have offered candy to victim for help to find lost dog
Witnesses helped police to quickly locate a suspect in the reported sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl over the weekend.
The victim and a 13-year-old friend were cycling in the area of Walgrove Landing S.E. on Sunday around 3 p.m. when a man they didn’t know asked for their help and offered candy to find his lost dog, according to Calgary police.
“The children believed they previously saw an off-leash dog running in the area and agreed to assist,” police said in a statement released Wednesday. “The 13-year-old began riding their bike a short distance away in an attempt to locate the dog, and the victim remained with the man, at which time it is believed he sexually assaulted her.”
Calls were made to emergency services, and after police arrived, witnesses directed investigators to the man, who was promptly arrested.
Calgarian Sarath Gration Peiris, 53, faces charges of sexual assault and sexual interference with a child under 16 years old. He is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 23.
Calgary police praised witnesses for their response to the incident.
“Due to their swift actions, our officers were able to locate and arrest the suspect immediately,” said Det. Darren Lepp of the child abuse unit. “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.”
LUNA Child & Youth Advocacy Centre is providing support to the victim and her friend, according to police.
There is no statute of limitations for sexual assault in Canada, and anyone who believes they are a victim of sexual crime is encouraged to notify law enforcement.