Charges laid after a report of a sexual assault this week have prompted a warning from Saskatchewan RCMP about informal ride sharing.
RCMP said in a news release on March 14 that a man has been charged with sexual assault and sexual interference after a woman arranged a ride to Saskatoon via a Facebook group serving the Fort Qu’Appelle area.
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The man was arrested by Indian Head RCMP and the investigation by Craik RCMP is ongoing, police said, and if investigation determines there are additional victims or a risk to public safety, more information about the accused man would be supplied.
Police said people should use precautions when using social media-based informal ride sharing services.
They said that the ride sharing services often exist on Facebook groups, and connect those seeking a ride with those willing to provide one in informal arrangements and are not connected to commercial ride-share services.
Police said people should:
- Be sure they know and trust the person they are seeking a ride from.
- Let someone know when leaving and the expected arrival time. Consider providing information about the vehicle’s make, colour and plate.
- If negotiating a ride and something feels off, trust their instinct and find an alternative way to travel.
Anyone with information or wanting to report a similar incident is asked to call Saskatchewan RCMP at 310-RCMP, their local police service or to inform Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at saskcrimestoppers.com.
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