Halifax police charge man who allegedly forced children to drink alcohol

Halifax Regional Police have charged a man who allegedly followed two teenaged boys into a bathroom at the Halifax Shopping Centre and forced them to drink alcohol.

Police say the incident happened Thursday at around 5:30 p.m. and was reported to them on Friday.

“The man forced the children inside a bathroom stall and wouldn’t let them leave unless they drank alcohol,” a news release read.

“The suspect was also observed approaching young girls in the parkade of the mall and attempting to have them drink alcohol.”

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Police say the 27-year-old man was arrested Friday evening, about 90 minutes after police released photos of the suspect. The arrest followed a tip from the public.

He is charged with two counts of forcible confinement and two counts of administering a noxious substance.

He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Halifax Provincial Court on Monday.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be laid.

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