A Winnipeg man has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including sexual interference and forcible confinement, after an incident at a hotel pool in Portage la Prairie involving a 12-year-old girl, police said.
Portage RCMP said they were called to the hotel Saturday evening, and their investigation determined the girl was in the pool with a group of other youths when an adult man tried to start a conversation.
At one point, police said, the man grabbed the girl, pulled her toward him, and refused to let her go. She was eventually able to swim away to safety, and told an adult, who called police.
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The suspect, 28, was arrested shortly afterward and faces multiple charges. Since the charges have yet to be formally laid, the RCMP isn’t releasing his name.
Police said he was released and will appear in Portage la Prairie court on Nov. 10.
“These types of incidents can happen very quickly. It’s so important for parents to talk their kids about what to do if this happens,” said Cpl. Julie Courchaine.
“In this instance, the young girl did everything right, she got away, sought safety and immediately informed a trusted adult. Her actions ensured that our officers could quickly make an arrest.”
