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24-Year-Old Suspect

Red Deer RCMP charge male with sexual offences

Aug 25, 2023 | 10:47 AM

A Red Deer man is facing charges after as many as four female teens were sexually assaulted earlier this month.

On Aug. 02, 2023, local Mounties say a report was made to the Red Deer RCMP that a female teen was followed off a city bus, grabbed and assaulted by a male. Police say the female was able to fight the male off and run to safety nearby. Mounties say the female was not physically injured in this incident.

A second incident occurred on Aug. 10, 2023, and was reported later that evening. RCMP say a female teen had been followed off the city bus to her residence by an unknown male. Police say the same male was captured on video surveillance looking into the window of the residence later that evening.

On Aug. 11, 2023, Mounties say a third teenaged female reported having been sexually assaulted, touched unwillingly, by an unknown male while seated on the city bus. Police note, video surveillance from the same date captures a fourth female teen being unwillingly touched by a male on the city bus. This female, however, has not yet been identified.

RCMP say all incidents took place in the north west end of the city, in the neighborhoods of Johnstone, Kentwood and Highland Green.

As a result of the investigations, a single male was identified as being responsible for these incidents.

Matthew Ryan, 24, a resident of Red Deer, was arrested and has been charged with the following:

  • Assault
  • Sexual Assault X2
  • Harassment X2
  • Indecent Act
  • Failing to comply with an Undertaking

Mounties say Ryan was held for a judicial interim release hearing where he was remanded to Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on Aug. 25, 2023.

Police say further subsequent and preceding incidents are being investigated dating back to April 2023. Incidents are believed to have taken place on or off the city bus and possibly in different areas of the city.

At this time Red Deer RCMP are looking to speak with any other members of the public who may have witnessed or been involved in a similar incident.

Matthew Ryan is described as:

  • White male
  • Mid 20’s
  • Brown hair
  • Grown out buzz cut or shaggy hair
  • Unshaven
  • Bigger build

Anyone with further information is encouraged to make a report and contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403-406-2200. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or using the “P3 TIPS” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.