Lethbridge, Alberta – Lethbridge Police have charged a 25-year-old man in connection with a sexual assault after he was identified following the release of a composite sketch and his identity later confirmed by a DNA match.
On September 28, 2022 police responded to a report that a female was sexually assaulted by an unknown male who had approached her in the St. Edwards neighbourhood. After smoking a cigarette and discarding the butt, the male left the area. Police efforts to locate him at the time were unsuccessful.
A side profile photo of the suspect, who was wearing very distinctive clothing, was obtained by the victim and publicly released September 30, 2022 in an effort to help investigators identify him. A composite drawing was later completed and a follow-up news release was issued October 4, 2022. Within days of the release of the composite drawing multiple members of the public contacted police to identify the suspect. Following further investigation, a DNA warrant was obtained and a sample from the suspect was later analyzed and confirmed to be a match to the DNA on the cigarette butt discarded by the offender at the scene.
On February 17, 2023 police attended a northside residence and the subject was arrested without incident.
Russell Galutan Artates, 25, is charged with one count of sexual assault. He has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court March 29, 2023.
Police thank the public for their assistance in identifying the subject.
Lethbridge Police Service
BACKGROUND
Lethbridge, Alberta – Lethbridge Police have released a composite sketch in connection with a sexual assault and are asking anyone who recognizes the subject to come forward.
BACKGROUND – Previously released Sept. 30, 2022
On September 28, 2022 police responded to a report that a female was sexually assaulted by an unknown male who had approached her in the St. Edwards neighbourhood around 2 p.m. The male left the area and was last seen along St. Edwards Boulevard North. Police canvassed the area but the male was not located and continued efforts to identify him have been unsuccessful. The victim described the subject as male, 25-30 years old, wearing black and red track pants, a white hoodie with “GAP” in blue/purple print, black socks and Adidas slip-on shoes.
Anyone who recognizes the subject or has information that could assist the investigation, is asked to call police at 403-328-4444 and reference file 22021474.
Lethbridge Police Service
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