A suspect wanted in a sexual assault involving a teenage girl at the Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre has turned himself in to Edmonton police.
Police announced Thursday morning the suspect turned himself in earlier in the day and his name would not be released until formal charges have been laid.
Police said officers were called to the southwest Edmonton recreation centre at 4:35 p.m. on Tuesday.
It was reported to police that a 13-year-old girl entered a family change room stall and was followed in by an unknown man, who proceeded to sexually assault her.
The City of Edmonton said after the alleged attack, rec centre staff quickly called police and EMS.
“All safety protocols were implemented and city staff cared for the victim while awaiting the emergency response,” a statement Thursday from the city said, adding surveillance video has been turned over to police.
“We encourage anyone with information related to the event to contact the Edmonton Police Service as soon as possible. We are fully supporting the efforts of the Edmonton Police Service and thank them for their work.”
In the past five years, there have been 33 sexual assaults on minors at rec centres in the city, according to the Edmonton Police Service.
Last year saw a sharp increase, and police noted access to rec centres in the years prior was limited due to various COVID-19 pandemic closures and access limitations.
Police provided the following breakdown:
- 2023: 17 assaults
- 2022: Four assaults *
- 2021 Two assaults *
- 2020 Three assaults *
- 2019: Seven assaults*Rec centres closed / limited accessibility due to Covid
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The Terwillegar Recreation Centre has over over 2.6 million admissions each year and the city said while safety incidents do happen at all facilities, overall recreation centres are safe.
The southwest rec centre received three written comments regarding the inclusive/family change rooms in 2023, the city said. Some comments were due to not understanding patrons are required to use the changing room stalls within that specific change room.
The city said some of the more recent additional safety measures that have been added are:
- Added additional new security cameras and refreshed some of the previous cameras with new ones
- Increase public awareness for Respect for People and Property at the entrances of the facility
- Work with a community social worker assigned to the facility
- In 2024, increased the number of security guards to the facility
The city said it has zero tolerance for any form of harassment or violence in its facilities.
“This is a terrible incident and our thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones.”
Before the suspect turned himself in, police had released photos of him and the vehicle they believe was used to drop him off at the rec centre, to the public in an effort to generate tips.
— With files from Phil Heidenreich, Global News
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