A Burnaby man has been charged with sexually assaulting a girl after luring her on the internet, according to police.
Police say the victim and her mother reported the assault on May 7, according to a news release announcing the charges Tuesday.
“The man is alleged to have befriended the victim online, to have arranged to meet with her and is alleged to have sexually assaulted her,” the release said.
Burnaby RCMP took over the investigation after a neighbouring police agency notified them the offence had allegedly taken place in Burnaby.
The suspect, who remains in custody, has now been charged with sexual assault with a weapon, sexual interference, luring a child, possession of a restricted weapon and using a firearm in the commission of an offence.
“As this matter is now before the courts and a publication ban is in place, police are unable to speak to any further details with regard to the investigation,” stated the release.
Burnaby RCMP said its victim services team is supporting the victim and her family and thanked Surrey RCMP and the New Westminster Police Department for help with the investigation.
“Today, police are asking that parents take some time in the coming days to sit with their children and speak with them about the dangers associated with using social media platforms,” stated the release. “Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, police are aware that many of the social connections being made by young people are virtual, but it’s hugely important that those connections are being made with people they know and trust."
