Nanaimo RCMP have arrested a suspect in connection with an alleged sexual assault that occurred at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre.

On July 16,  police received a report that a 17 year old female had been sexually assaulted by an unknown male in the facility's steam room.  Following an investigation, officers identified and arrested a 43-year-old male on July 17.

The suspect was released on conditions pending further investigation.

“Nanaimo RCMP prioritized this investigation and through close collaboration with the City of Nanaimo, investigators were able to identify and arrest the suspect in a timely manner” said Inspector Donovan Tait, Operations Officer for Nanaimo RCMP , “Everyone has the right to feel safe in our public spaces and recreation facilities. Incidents of sexual assault are taken very seriously, and this type of criminal behavior will not be tolerated. We remain committed to working with our community partners to protect the public and hold offenders accountable.”