Youth charged in alleged sexual assault on walking trail in Canning, N.S.

An RCMP detachment can be seen in this file photo. (David Prisciak/CTV News)

A youth is facing charges after another youth reported a sexual assault on a walking trail in Canning, N.S., last week.

The RCMP responded to the trail between the Northeast Kings Education Centre and the Glooscap District Arena around 3:40 p.m. on June 6.

The alleged victim told police a male in a ski mask had assaulted them while they were walking from the school to the arena.

Police searched the area with the help of RCMP Police Dog Services but were unable to find the suspect at the time.

Kings District RCMP arrested a youth on Thursday and executed a search warrant at a home in Canning, where police say they found items to support their investigation.

The youth, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with:

• assault
• sexual assault
• disguise with intent

They were released pending an appearance in youth court on July 24.

“The courage the victim showed in fighting off their attacker was tremendous. Sexual assaults are an afront to society and, as in this case, have the power to inflict paralyzing fear in a community,” said RCMP Supt. Jason Popik in a news release Friday.

“Through the support of the victim and their family, the Kings District investigators and street crime enforcement unit members identified and charged the accused, which will hopefully bring reassurance to the victim and their family as well as the community.”

Police say they received numerous tips from the public about the case.

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