Portage la Prairie RCMP arrest youth after two females sexually assaulted

October 16, 2026 - Portage la Prairie, Manitoba
From: Manitoba RCMP

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On Oct. 13, at approximately 9:05 a.m., RCMP received a report that a female had been sexually assaulted while shopping at a store in Portage la Prairie.

RCMP learned the adult victim had been inside a store when she saw a male looking up and down the aisle while wearing a balaclava. The female turned away from the suspect and returned to looking at items when the suspect came up from behind and touched her inappropriately. The suspect then fled.

About 30 minutes later, RCMP received a report that a male wearing a balaclava was in another store, approached an employee for assistance retrieving an item, then came up from behind and touched her inappropriately. The suspect then fled.

RCMP investigated through the day and identified a suspect. On Oct. 14, a 17-year-old Portage la Prairie male turned himself in and was formally arrested. He faces charges of:

• Sexual assault x2; and
• Disguised with intent to commit offence x2.

The youth was released on an undertaking.