Police in Guelph are asking for the public’s help identifying potential additional victims or witnesses as part of a sexual assault investigation involving a man who allegedly identified himself as an off-duty police officer. Police said a 15-year-old girl reported the alleged assault on Aug. 20. “A 15-year-old female reported to police that she had been sexually assaulted during the early morning hours after accepting a ride in a vintage red truck in the City of Guelph,” police said in a media release. “The complainant advised she and another youth had approached the vehicle at approximately 1:30 a.m. to ask for a ride to the Guelph train station.” Police said the man identified himself as an off-duty police officer and provided information that led the girl to believe he was a legitimate officer. The man allegedly drove the two youths around the city before dropping the friend off at an unidentified location. Police allege the man then drove the complainant to a nearby parking lot, where the sexual assault occurred. “As a result of the investigation, Brian Deboer, 69, was arrested on Aug. 22 after attending the Guelph Police station,” police said. “Investigators are releasing Deboer’s name and photograph in an effort to identify any additional victims, witnesses or anyone who may have had similar interactions with him, particularly involving a red vintage truck or circumstances in which he identified himself as a police officer.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Const. Jackie Ketteringham at 519-824-1212 orjketteringham@guelphpolice.ca. The identity of the complainant is protected by law and police said no information that could identify the youth will be released.
