Ottawa police have charged a 37-year-old man with sexual assault after a 14-year-old girl complained that she was stalked and inappropriately touched while she was working out at the Carlingwood YMCA-YWCA.
Police say the girl reported the man had been following her, and wandered into the Y, located on Lockhart Street in the city's west end. The suspect was not a patron of the gym, and did not work there, police say.
The girl had allegedly been followed by the man at other locations as well, according to police.
"That's pretty brazen behaviour," said Staff Sgt. John McGetrick.
Police say there is no reason to believe there are other victims. However, McGetrick says there is always the possibility that more victims exist.
Hassan Jabar Majli was arrested on Saturday; one day after police started their investigation.
Majli is charged with one count of sexual assault, one count of sexual interference, two counts of criminal harassment and one count of breach of probation. He appeared in court on Sunday and remains in custody.
Police say if residents notice someone paying excessive attention to them for long periods of time, they should relocate and surround themselves with other people.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Ottawa police at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS).
