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Police seek possible victims of groper

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 11/7/2012 12:11 PM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 11/7/2012 2:49 PM | Updates

Screen grab of surveillance video released by Winnipeg Police. A suspect groped a woman in a Winnipeg store in September 2012. (WINNIPEG POLICE / SUBMITTED)

Winnipeg Police believe the same man is responsible for a series of recent sexual assaults in local stores.

Police said the link between the sexual assaults was made following a complaint in September.

A woman was shopping in the south end area of Winnipeg when she was approached from behind by a man. The suspect deliberately dropped an item and while lowering himself to pick it up, then groped the woman’s lower body.

WPS spokesman Jason Michalyshen said officers realized that the same method has been used several times.

Michalyshen said the suspect in the September assault was arrested but released with conditions.

However, Michalyshen said investigators also suspect the same man in other incidents and are looking for witnesses to come forward.

"This investigation, and others similar, are all now beginning to intertwine and overlap each other," Michalyshen said.

Police released a video of the September attack but the identity of the victim is not known. Michalyshen said the department store contacted police and police now want the victim to come forward.

"We want to make sure this doesn’t happen to other people out there," Michalyshen said.

Police will not identify the suspect now because that could undermine other investigations, he said, adding the suspect will be identified once he is formally charged.

History

Updated on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 12:51 PM CST: Updates with information on link to other assaults.

2:49 PM: Clarifies headline.

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