Charges laid in sexual offences against children

Steadfast investigative work has led to charges against a man in relation to two incidents of inappropriate behaviour toward young girls that occurred earlier this year.

On Friday, March 5, 2021, a 13-year-old girl was walking home from school along Saddlebrook Drive N.E. when she was approached by a man in a white Honda Odyssey van asking for directions.

While the man spoke with the girl through the passenger-side window of the vehicle, she became aware that he had exposed himself and was masturbating. The girl moved away from the vehicle. The man then exited the van, approached her from behind and attempted to force the girl into the vehicle. She was able to run home at which point police were contacted.

Two months later, on Saturday, May 15, 2021, 16-year-old and 10-year-old sisters were walking on Temple Drive N.E., when they were approached by a man in a white Honda Odyssey van. The man called the girls over and once close to the vehicle, the girls noticed the man had exposed himself and was masturbating. The girls ran home and reported the incident to police.

Following an extensive investigation, police identified a suspect and he has since been charged. Ferdaus ABDUL AZIM, 34, has been charged with one count of child abduction and two counts of invitation to sexual touching with a child under 16 years of age.

“These incidents are very concerning – no child should be approached in that manner,” noted Staff Sergeant Ryan Preece with the Calgary Police Service. “These incidents have directly impacted three girls in our community and I’m pleased our detectives were able to identify the suspect and lay charges to prevent further victimization.”

Case #21081462/21179228/4775