Winnipeg police file charges after child sexually abused on playground

The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) has filed charges in connection with the sexual abuse of a child that occurred last month.

On Monday evening, officers arrested a man for a June 1 incident at a playground in the 400 block of Flora Avenue.

According to police, the victim was at the playground with another child when they were approached by an unknown man. Police allege the man made sexually explicit comments and then grabbed one of the children and touched him in a sexual manner.

The child managed to free himself. Both children ran home and reported the incident to an adult.

The investigation continued Monday when officers responded to a report that a suspicious man asked to take a child’s photo at a park in the 500 block of King Street. A concerned adult followed the man and gave police a description. The child was not harmed.

Officers believed this man was connected to the incident at the Flora Avenue playground.

Police found the suspect at a home in the 100 block of Jarvis Avenue. He was arrested and turned over to the Child Protective Unit.

A 23-year-old man has been charged with sexual assault and sexual abuse. He is in custody.