Guelph Police Service seeking information from the public in sexual assault investigation

The Guelph Police Service is seeking assistance from the public as part of an ongoing sexual assault investigation involving a male who identified himself as an off-duty police officer.

On August 20, a 15-year-old female reported to police that she had been sexually assaulted during the early morning hours after accepting a ride in a vintage red truck in the City of Guelph. The complainant advised she and another youth had approached the vehicle at approximately 1:30 a.m. to ask for a ride to the Guelph train station.

Police allege the male identified himself as an off-duty police officer and provided information that led the complainant to believe he was legitimate. The male later drove the complainant and her friend around the city before the friend was dropped off at an unidentified location. The complainant was then driven to a nearby parking lot, where the alleged sexual assault occurred.

As a result of the investigation, Brian Deboer, 69, was arrested on August 22 after attending the Guelph Police station.

Investigators are releasing Deboer’s name and photograph in an effort to identify any additional victims, witnesses, or anyone who may have had similar interactions with him, particularly involving a red vintage truck or circumstances in which he identified himself as a police officer.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Jackie Ketteringham of the Guelph Police Service at 519-824-1212 or jketteringham@guelphpolice.ca.

The identity of the complainant is protected by law. No information that could identify the youth will be released.