Charges laid after teens sexually assaulted at WEM waterpark: EPS

Edmonton police say a 41-year-old man has been charged in connection to four incidents of sexual assault at the West Edmonton Mall World Waterpark earlier this week.

In a statement to CityNews, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) confirmed it received four separate reports claiming a man had inappropriately touched teenage girls on Aug. 9.

Police note mall security was informed of the incidents by two 13-year-olds, a 15-year-old, and a 16-year-old, who all claimed the incidents happened while swimming.

Mall security was able to identify the man, and he was taken into custody before police were notified.

The EPS has since charged a 41-year-old Manitoba man with four counts of sexual assault and three counts of sexual interference.

This is the fourth sexual assault case resulting in charges at the waterpark since June. While EPS couldn’t confirm exact numbers, CityNews did receive confirmation that police have responded to multiple sexual assault calls at the waterpark this year.

CityNews reached out to West Edmonton Mall for details about what is being done to prevent sexual crimes at the waterpark, in light of the recent surge of sexual assault charges being laid, and asked if their security staff training protocols when it comes to trauma and reporting incidents like this one. In response the mall issued a statement saying, “At World Waterpark, we take great pride in our ongoing commitment to safety and security. As a trusted facility, we have always maintained superior safety protocols, including a robust CCTV system and well-trained security and safety personnel.

The statement added, “The WEM team engaged with the survivors and suspects, notified and cooperated fully with the Edmonton Police Service and will continue to do so throughout the investigation. We respect the privacy of the survivors and will refrain from sharing any further details to protect their identity.”

CityNews also reached out to the Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre for advice on what steps should be taken by adults when a child is sexually victimized.

The centre advised, “Whenever a child or youth discloses abuse, we all have a duty to report this.

Adding, “As a safe adult, if you suspect there is harm or are told of an assault, it is your duty to report this to your local police or the child abuse hotline. From there, allegations will be investigated, safety plans will be implemented (if required) and children will be supported.”

-With files from Bianca Millions, CityNews