Calgary,
17
June
2021
|
10:53
America/Denver

Cyclist charged with sexual assaults on women

Sexual touching without consent is sexual assault. It has a lasting impact on victims and can leave them feeling unsafe and vulnerable in public for many years after the incident. All women should be able to feel safe to live and work in our city and behaviour that impacts this sense of safety will not be tolerated.

Earlier this week we became aware of multiple reports that a man on a bike was approaching women and touching them sexually without their consent. Although two reports of this nature were made on Monday, June 14, 2021, in the area of Fifth Avenue and Ninth Street S.W., based on subsequent investigation we believe there may be other occurrences that have gone un-reported. We are encouraging anyone who has been touched sexually without consent to report these incidents to police so that suspects can be identified and dealt with swiftly.

As a result of the early reports and initial investigation, officers were able to identify a suspect. Richard CATHOLIQUE, 31, is charged with two counts of sexual assault and is currently wanted on warrant.

He is described as 6’1” tall, 132 pounds, with a medium or slim build, brown hair and brown eyes. We believe he was riding a black and white CCM bike with a medium frame, and blue brake cables. Photos of CATHOLIQUE and the bike he was riding are available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.

Consent means agreeing to sexual activity, including kissing, touching or intercourse with another person. Sexual contact with a person is never acceptable without clear, voluntary (by words or conduct) and specific consent.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the police non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be left anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

APP: "P3 Tips"

Case #21223697/4717