PORT HAWKESBURY, N.S. — RCMP say they are following up on tips received in conjunction with an investigation into the sexual assault of a nine-year old boy in Port Hawkesbury.
Cpl. Lisa Croteau, public information officer with the Nova Scotia RCMP, said investigators are also viewing video not only from the business in question but others in the area.
“I can’t reveal specifics into which storefront they are looking into, but I can say they are viewing videos in the area.”
The inverness District RCMP issued a press release over the weekend, asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man suspected of sexually assaulting a boy at a Port Hawkesbury business.
At about 5:15 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, a nine-year old boy was approached by an unknown man in a bathroom of a business on Paint Street. According to the RCMP, the man forced the boy into a bathroom stall, locked the door and attempted to pull the boy’s pants down. The boy was able to escape the stall. Employees unsuccessfully tried to stop the man from leaving the business.
Croteau said information including how the boy managed to escape and how employees tried to stop the suspect is not being disclosed at this point, in maintaining the privacy of the victim and integrity of the investigation.
“We can’t disclose too much about the investigation right now as it’s still ongoing,” she said.
The suspect is described as a white male in his 40s or 50s, about 5’8”, with dark hair. He was wearing a blue baseball hat, sunglasses, a red shirt and beige shorts.
Anyone who recognizes this suspect, viewed the suspect leaving the store or has any further information is asked to contact Inverness District RCMP at 902-625-2220 or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477.
In the meantime, Croteau said parents out there who feel concerned, should definitely talk to their kids about it.
“Just if they see a stranger not to talk to them and to talk to an adult if they see something they feel is not right.”
