West Shore RCMP arrest prolific indecent offender

West Shore

2023-11-14 08:48 PST

File # 2023-10922

On November 8, 2023 the West Shore RCMP arrested a 33-year-old man from the Capital Regional District area for 15 counts of commission of an Indecent Act and 1 count of Indecent Exposure.

Beginning in June of 2023 the West Shore RCMP began receiving sporadic reports of an unknown male exposing himself to people on and around the Galloping Goose trails in the Langford area. Though the suspect exposed himself to his victims, none were physically assaulted.

The series of reports kicked off a months-long investigation spearheaded by the West Shore RCMP Bike Patrol Unit, along with West Shore Serious Crimes and Frontline police officers.

Due to the size and complexity of the Galloping Goose trail system, and the sporadic times and locations of the offences, the investigators faced a number of challenges in identifying the suspect.

Over the course of several months officers from the various units came together using a variety of investigative techniques including covert surveillance and plainclothes operations, the execution of several digital information production orders and search warrants, and interviews with dozens of victims and witnesses. Eventually investigators gathered enough evidence to bring charges against the suspect.

The suspect has no criminal record, and has been released on an undertaking to appear in court on February 8th, 2024

Our trail systems are a special part of the West Shore communities and our citizens deserve to be safe while using them said Inspector Stephen Rose, Officer in Charge of Operations at West Shore RCMP.

The West Shore RCMP believes that there may be more victims out there who have not filed police reports. If you or someone you know may have been a victim of this crime, please contact the West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264.