A man is in custody facing charges following the reported sexual assault of an 8-year-old girl at a popular park in Yellowknife during the weekend. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) disclosed that the girl was playing at Somba K’e park when an unidentified male individual took her into the bushes and sexually assaulted her. The child managed to escape and promptly informed a parent who contacted the authorities. The RCMP received the report at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Saturday.
Upon notification, law enforcement officers swiftly responded to the scene and apprehended the suspect without any resistance. The accused, identified as Peter Mackenzie, aged 52, is charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, and exposing genital organs to a person under 16 years old.
Authorities clarified that Mackenzie and the child do not have any prior connection, and they consider the incident to be an isolated one. In a public advisory, Yellowknife RCMP emphasized the importance of vigilance and constant supervision of young children in public settings. Mackenzie has appeared at a bail hearing and has been remanded into custody.