A man has been arrested and charged following the reported sexual assault of an 8-year-old girl at a well-known park in Yellowknife. According to the RCMP, the child was playing at Somba K’e park when she was taken by an unknown male suspect into the bushes and assaulted. Fortunately, the child managed to escape and inform her parent, who then contacted the authorities. The incident was reported to the police at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Saturday.
Upon receiving the report, officers promptly responded to the scene and apprehended the suspect without issue. The accused, Peter Mackenzie, aged 52, is facing charges that include sexual assault, sexual interference, and exposing genital organs to a person under 16 years old. Authorities have confirmed that there is no prior connection between Mackenzie and the victim, suggesting that the incident appears to be an isolated case.
In light of this alarming event, Yellowknife RCMP has advised the public to exercise caution and ensure close supervision of young children in public spaces. Following a bail hearing, Mackenzie was remanded into custody.
