Yellowknife RCMP lay charges after child sexually assaulted

August 17, 2026 - Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

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A man has been arrested after a child was reported to have been sexually assaulted at Yellowknife’s Somba K’e Park.

On August 15th at approximately 3:15 p.m. Yellowknife RCMP received a report that an 8-year-old child had been playing at the park when an unknown male suspect brought her into the bushes and sexually assaulted her.

The child was able to escape and report the incident to a parent, who immediately contacted police.
Officers attended the area immediately and located the suspect still on scene. He was arrested without incident.

As a result, 52-year-old Peter Mackenzie of Yellowknife has been charged with:
• Sexual assault, contrary to section 271 of the Criminal Code
• Sexual interference, contrary to section 151 of the Criminal Code
• Exposure of genital organs to a person under the age of 16, contrary to section 173(2) of the Criminal Code

He appeared for a bail hearing and was subsequently remanded into custody.
The victim and suspect are not known to each other, nor have any other incidents of this nature been reported to police.

While the incident is believed to be isolated, Yellowknife RCMP reminds the public to be vigilant and always maintain supervision of young children in public areas.

Ensure children are aware of what to do when approached by strangers and immediately report suspicious behavior to police.

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