Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Child Abuse Unit detectives are investigating an alleged sexual assault at the Pen Centre in St. Catharines.
On November 11, 2024, NRPS 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) uniform officers responded to a sexual assault complaint. The initial investigation determined that on November 10, 2024, at approximately 4:00pm a 14-year-old female was in the food court area of Pen Centre. An unknown man walked up and sexually assaulted her. The unknown suspect then left the area.
As a result of the investigation officers were able to identify a suspect. Continued investigation also determined the suspect was alleged to have been following teenaged females in the shopping centre earlier on October 10, 2024.
On November 12, 2024, 1 District uniform officers arrested the suspect in St. Catharines. Brady Normand Burke (21 years) of no fixed address has been arrested and charged with the Criminal Code offences of:
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Interference
Burke was held in custody for a video bail hearing to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on November 13, 2024.
The NRPS would like to acknowledge the co-operation of Pen Centre staff and security personnel in relation to this investigation.
Child Abuse Unit detectives have requested the photo and name of the accused be released in the interest of public safety and in an attempt to identify other potential victims or witnesses.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009519.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
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