Nanaimo man charged with sexual assault after suspect image posted online
A Nanaimo man is facing one count of sexual assault after a woman reported she was grabbed around the neck and groped by a stranger.
The woman broke free of the man and posted a picture of him to social media, prompting a flurry of tips that led to the suspect's arrest less than 90 minutes later, according to police.
The assault happened around 1:20 p.m. Monday outside 55 Victoria Rd. in downtown Nanaimo.
The 27-year-old victim told police she was returning to work when a man approached her from behind, grabbed her around the neck and then groped her, the Nanaimo RCMP said in a statement Tuesday.
The woman broke free of the man and ran to her workplace while a coworker took a picture of the suspect as he was running away.
The victim called 911 and then posted the image of the man online.
Several police officers responded to the scene and searched for the man while tips began flooding in as a result of the social media post.
"This information was shared with police and resulted in the suspect being located at a nearby home and arrested without incident," the Nanaimo RCMP said.
"The victim in this incident did everything correct," Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson Const. Gary O'Brien said.
"She fought back, she made noise, she told someone and reported the incident to the police. Then, by using her phone, a picture of the suspect was shared across social media, which ultimately led to his timely arrest."
Brett Ranger, 35, of no fixed address, was held in police custody and appeared in Nanaimo provincial court on Tuesday.
He is charged with one count of sexual assault and is expected to remain in custody until his next court appearance on April 4.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Canada Disability Benefit needs to be safeguarded from clawbacks, MPs unanimously agree
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Testifying in hush money trial, adult film actor Stormy Daniels describes first meeting Trump
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential election 10 years later.
King Charles too busy to see son Prince Harry during U.K. trip
Prince Harry will not be seeing his father King Charles during his current visit to Britain as the monarch will be too busy, Harry's spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Turfing Poilievre from House a clear sign of desperation by Trudeau Liberals
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
Security guard shot, seriously injured outside of Drake's Toronto mansion
A security guard working at Drake’s Bridle Path mansion in Toronto was seriously injured in a shooting outside the residence early Tuesday morning, police said.
Katy Perry's mom was fooled by AI images of the singer at the Met Gala
Katy Perry did not attend the Met Gala on Monday, but some of the singer’s fans – and even her mom – thought she did.
Your body needs these three forms of movement every week
Movement is movement, right? Not exactly. Here’s what your body is looking for in addition to your morning walk or yoga session, according to experts.