Fort St. John man arrested in child invitation sexual touching investigation

A 32-year-old Fort St. John man has been arrested and remains in custody this evening after allegedly inviting several children to touch him for a sexual purpose earlier today.

At approximately 10:30 on June 19, 2021, frontline officers from the Fort St. John RCMP were called to a park in the 11000-block of 96 Street in Fort St. John, for a report that a man had tried to solicit the sexual touching from two children in exchange for a video game card.

Upon attendance at the scene, witnesses identified a man in a nearby vehicle. He was arrested without incident. He remains in police custody but has not yet been charged.

While we are thankful to have received the quick report and were able to arrest this man at the scene, this is reminder to speak to your children about such incidents. The children in this case did exactly as we would ask, and that is to immediately tell a trusted adult. states S/Sgt. Janelle Shoihet of the BC RCMP.

The Fort St. John RCMP wishes to extend its thanks to the bystander who offered assistance to the children.

The investigation into this incident is continuing. Anyone who was a witness and has not already spoken with police is asked to contact the Fort. St. John RCMP detachment at 250-787-8140 and cite file 2021-5571.