Sudbury man accused of committing indecent acts at the YMCA

A 21-year-old man has been charged after police in Sudbury responded to reports of indecent acts at the men's shower at the downtown YMCA.

A 21-year-old man who was already under release conditions has been arrested following a bizarre incident at the YMCA in downtown Sudbury.

Police responded around 6:10 p.m. Tuesday to a report of indecent acts that took place at the Durham Street facility.

“Information provided was that an individual was laying down in the shower, exposing himself and touching himself inappropriately in the public men’s change room while youth were present,” police said in a news release Wednesday.

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“Officers arrived on the scene and located the individual. Through the investigation, it was determined that the individual was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant for criminal harassment.”

In addition to the criminal harassment charges, the suspect had already been under release orders that included “to not attend a public park, swimming area, or daycare, or community centre where persons under the age of 18 are present,” police said.

The suspect was arrested on the outstanding warrant and charged with breaching a release order. He was held in custody ahead of a bail hearing Wednesday.

Anyone who witnessed the incident at the YMCA is asked to contact police at 705-675-9171.

YMCA of Northeastern Ontario said staff notified police of the situation right away.

“The safety and well-being of our members and participants is our top priority. We take matters of this nature very seriously and we will cooperate fully with the investigation,” the organization said in a statement Wednesday night.

“Safeguarding children and young people is our highest priority at the YMCA. Operational practices and procedures are in place to ensure the safety and protection of all children and young people while participating in all aspects of our programs.”

The company said it has a strict Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Persons Policy to ensure safety standards in its programs through ongoing training, supervision requirements, reporting protocols, and facility controls.