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FORT MCMURRAY — Wood Buffalo RCMP are urging residents not to engage in vigilante action, including threats, harassment or intimidation, following the arrest of a Fort McMurray man in a sexual interference investigation.
The 23-year-old man was arrested Aug. 24 at a skate park in the Parsons Creek area.
RCMP say they recognize cases involving vulnerable victims can generate strong emotions and significant concern in the community, but say those concerns must be addressed through lawful means.
“While those reactions are understandable, any form of intimidation, harassment, threats, or vigilante action directed toward individuals facing criminal allegations is unlawful and can place public safety at risk,” RCMP said in a statement.
Police are urging people not to confront individuals facing allegations, attend private residences, make threats or share personal information online.
RCMP say they work with the courts and partner agencies to monitor compliance with release conditions and investigate allegations of criminal activity.
Anyone who believes a person has breached release conditions or committed another offence is being asked to contact police rather than take independent action.
Wood Buffalo RCMP Insp. Mike Robinson says vigilantism can create additional risks for both those involved and the wider community.
“The safety of our community is a shared responsibility,” Robinson said. “We encourage residents to remain alert, look out for one another, and report suspicious activity.”
Robinson said people should leave enforcement to police.
“However, we strongly discourage any form of vigilantism, as these actions can jeopardize personal safety, interfere with investigations, and create additional risks for everyone involved.”
The man arrested in Parsons Creek is facing four counts of sexual interference and was released from custody after a judicial interim release hearing.
He remains subject to a release order with conditions and is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray.
RCMP say threats, harassment, intimidation and property-related offences are criminal matters that may be investigated by police.
Anyone facing an immediate emergency or witnessing an incident in progress should call 911.
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