An alleged groping spree at a water park in New Brunswick led to a 25-year-old Indian man’s arrest last weekend.
New Brunswick RCMP officers arrested the man, who they said was “originally from India,” after someone allegedly groped at least 12 people at Magic Mountain SplashZone in Moncton, N.B. on Sunday. Police say some of the alleged victims were under the age of 16.
Police have not released the name of the accused.
In a media release, the RCMP said officers responded to a report of sexual interference and sexual assault at a public water park on Mountain Road in Moncton at around 2 p.m.
“When police arrived at the scene, they learned that a man had been walking around the premises and was groping people,” the release said.
Police told True North in an email that more victims have come forward since the original 12, but police could not provide an exact number as the investigation is still ongoing.
“He is from India; however, he currently resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia,” Sgt. Sylvette Hébert, the officer in charge, told True North.
When asked if the man was a Canadian citizen, she said the police “were not in a position to provide that answer.”
The unnamed man was arrested “without incident” but later released from custody.
A woman at the park who witnessed the incident took to Facebook to warn the community.
“Watch out at Magic Mountain. There’s a guy swimming around and touching everyone. Me and this other woman just looked at each other at the same time and asked each other and told the guy working, and he told him to stop,” she posted. “About 30 or more people and kids were assaulted by this man, mine included.”
She predicted the man would likely be released, so she felt compelled to warn the community about him.
“The sad thing is he probably will get a slap on the wrist, so share this post and make his face known.. if he was so eager and willing to do this in front of a bunch of alerted people in the open, imagine what he’s done or will do on the streets .. beware of surroundings because it can and will happen to you and your children.”
One man, who said he was from India, commented on the woman’s Facebook post.
“Unfortunately, back home in the convict’s home country, which is also mine, such behaviour is tolerated, so these men see nothing wrong with it. This guy should be caught and deported,” he said.
The accused is scheduled to appear in Moncton Provincial Court Oct. 24.
“This is still an active investigation, and we are working diligently to understand if there were other victims,” Hébert said in the report. “We are asking parents to speak to their children if they attended this location on July 7. We also want people to know that a sexual assault complaint can be made at any time. If you are a victim of sexual misconduct, please contact us. You will be listened to, and you will be believed.”
Police are asking anyone with information that could assist the investigation and would like to remain anonymous to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or download the secure P3 Mobile App or by Secure Web Tips at crimenb.ca.
Alternatively, people can contact Codiac Regional RCMP at 506-857-2400.