Update: The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has announced the arrest of a 62-year-old male suspect in relation to a sexual assault that occurred at Oakville Place mall.
On Monday, Feb. 12, Paul Swanson (62) of Brampton was arrested and has been charged with the following:
- Committing an Indecent Act
- Sexual Assault (2 counts)
- Sexual Interference (2 counts)
- Failing to Comply with Probation
Police say Swanson is being held in custody pending a Bail Hearing.
According to the statement from Halton Police, "The offences took place on February 9, 2024, at the Dollarama store located inside the mall. The accused approached two female teenagers and made physical contact with them while exposing his genitals. The females did not suffer any physical injuries."
Police believe that there may be additional victims.
The original story follows below:
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) – Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit is seeking the public's assistance in identifying a male suspect involved in an alleged indecent act at Oakville Place mall.
On Friday, Feb. 9, at approximately 5:25 p.m., the suspect, driving a white Ford F-150 (see image attached), approached two female teenagers inside the Dollarama store in Oakville Place mall. Police say the suspect committed an indecent act and made non-consensual physical contact with the victims.
The teenagers did not suffer any physical injuries.
The police have provided the following suspect description (see photo attached):
- Male, white, between 40 and 55 years old
- Wearing a grey baseball cap, black hooded sweatshirt, blue t-shirt, beige or khaki pants, and black shoes
- Approximately 6’ tall with an average build
- Grey goatee and short hair
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the HRPS Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 8970.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Included in the report from Halton Police is the following, "Sexual assault is any touching of another person without their consent where the touching is of a sexual nature, or where the sexual integrity of the victim is violated. A sexual assault can range from unwanted touching to sexual assault involving penetration."
"There is no statute of limitation when it comes to reporting a sexual assault. This means that no matter how long ago the sexual assault happened, you can still report it to police for investigation."