Prince George, B.C.- Three males are in custody, facing possible sexual assault charges following an incident at the Pine Centre Mall.

 

Police say they were contacted around 2:45 this afternoon by mall security, who were trying to restrain two males. Security said the two males (both in their 20’s) were suspects in a sexual assault case involving two young girls, aged 13 and 14. The girls  had  been  "inappropriately  touched".

 

The two suspects managed to free themselves and escaped to an awaiting vehicle which was driven by a third male.

 

Mall security were able to provide police with a detailed description of the vehicle, the suspects and the licence plate number on the vehicle.

 

Police immediately flooded the area with   as many police vehicles as possible. The get away vehicle was discovered abandoned in a snow bank near Carney Street.   As a result of persistent patrols, three suspects were arrested without incident on Douglas  at 3:02 this afternoon.

 

All three males are in custody, and the investigation continues. Charges of sexual assault are being contemplated.

 

Police say Mall security are to be commended for their action in providing police with detailed information on the suspects, the vehicle and the plate number which helped police arrest the suspects in a very short time.