Winkler Police Service is clarifying details on an incident that occured earlier this month.

On May 11, police responded to three incidents, one an assault of a sexual nature. All three incidents occurred within an hour window.

Police Chief Ryan Hunt explains the accused had no prior criminal record and was therefore released pending his court date.

However, he clarifies that the fact the man was released does not mean there are no consequences.

"He was released on strict conditions including a curfew and is required to appear in court at a later date to answer to the charges against him and to be sentenced if he is found guilty. At this point we are unable to provide the name of the accused," Hunt says.

He credits the ability of the complainants in providing clear and detailed information to officers, allowing them to make an identification and arrest the individual so quickly after the incidents took place.

On May 11, officers received a report from a female that she had just been sexually assaulted by an unknown male. The female advised she was walking on 2nd St. when the male proceeded to ask her for directions from inside his vehicle. The male drove away, and shortly afterward he approached the female on foot and proceeded to assault her in a sexual nature. She was able to run away and escape the male.

Police later learned of two additional incidents involving a male and a vehicle with a matching description. The first incident involved a male driving erratically, forcing a lone female driver to come to a stop in her vehicle. The male had donned a COVID-like mask, and while speaking with the female reached into her vehicle, at which time she drove away.

The second incident involved a male driving erratically while following a lone female driver. The female continued to drive throughout the city until he stopped following her.

Police located the male after viewing video surveillance, and arrested him regarding the first two incidents for Sexual Assault, Criminal Harassment, Assault, Mischief Over $5000, and Disguised with Intent to Commit an Offence. The male was later released on an Undertaking.