Airdrie man charged with six counts of sexual assault for groping at big-box stores

A 30-year-old Airdrie man was arrested Tuesday and charged with six counts of sexual assault after grabbing women's buttocks at big-box stores across Airdrie and Calgary.

The incidents span from August 12 to September 17. The first happened August 12 at an Airdrie Walmart, where a woman's buttocks were grabbed. On August 29—12 days later—the same store was targeted again. On September 17, two women were groped at a No Frills in Airdrie; one confronted the suspect, who said nothing and left. A fourth incident occurred August 15 at a Shoppers Drug Mart in Calgary's Country Hills neighbourhood, and a fifth on September 1 at a Walmart in Calgary's Deerfoot Meadows. A sixth incident's location and date were not specified.

Airdrie RCMP began investigating September 22 after a manager at the No Frills recognized the suspect and called police. Working with Calgary police, investigators reviewed surveillance footage from each incident and determined the same man was responsible in all six cases. The suspect did not wear a mask and was captured on video each time. He was arrested without incident at his home.

All victims were strangers to the suspect. Staff Sgt. Steven Browne of the RCMP said investigators have no idea of a motive. "The man did not say anything and departed the business without a confrontation," Browne said at a news conference. He added that victim services has offered support to all women affected.

Police believe there may be additional victims. They are asking the two unidentified women from the September 17 No Frills incident to contact them. The suspect is scheduled to appear in court next week.