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Man arrested in string of indecent acts at Elk Lake beach

A 76-year-old Saanich man was arrested Sunday morning after reports of another alleged indecent act on Hamsterly Beach at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. At 4:15 p.m.
Saanich police generic

A 76-year-old Saanich man was arrested Sunday morning after reports of another alleged indecent act on Hamsterly Beach at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park.

At 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, a witness reported that she saw a man who she suspected was masturbating while sitting in a chair by the water’s edge, Saanich police said. The man matched the description of the suspect in two previous incidents reported to police at the same location on June 19 and June 27. In the latter incident, a witness said the man appeared to be watching children on the beach near the water’s edge.

On Saturday, the witness recorded the licence plate of the suspect’s vehicle and reported the incident to Saanich police.

Police said the suspect was arrested on Sunday and later released with a court date in September on condition that he not attend a park, swimming area, playground or school where children under the age of 16 are present.

Police continue to investigate and are recommending the man be charged with one count of committing an indecent act.

“While the investigation is still ongoing, we believe this suspect to be the same person in each of the three incidents reported from Hamsterly Beach,” said Const. Markus Anastasiades.

After the previous incidents, police had released the man’s description and appealed to the public for any information.