Two separate assaults were reported on May 16, 2018 in the Newton area, and a third was reported in the Beverly area on July 15, 2018. Following these three assaults, EPS issued a news release asking for public assistance to identify a suspect, vehicle and trailer of interest captured on security cameras.
On Oct. 12, 2018, two more assaults were reported in the Kensington neighbourhood. At that time, it was not yet clear whether these incidents were related to the May and July occurrences.
In each case, the suspect reportedly ran up behind a young female during daylight hours, groped her, then fled. In one case, the suspect tackled the female complainant to the ground and held her down.
As a result of an ongoing investigation and witness evidence, police were able to identify and locate the suspect. On Oct. 24, 2018, James Edward Shaw, 36, was arrested in Ardrossan with the assistance of RCMP and charged with five counts of sexual assault.
Investigators believe there may be others who have had similar interactions with Shaw, and are asking them to come forward to police by calling 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.