Posted Aug 9, 2023, 12:19PM MDT.

Calgary police are issuing a message of thanks to several Good Samaritans who intervened in an alleged sexual assault Monday.

Investigators say they were called to the Louise Riley Library on 14 Avenue NW Aug. 7 just after midnight for reports of a woman being sexually assaulted in nearby bushes.

Police say it’s believed the woman was screaming and calling for help, when several people walking in the area became involved, stopping the assault, containing the suspect, and contacting authorities.

“We are thankful to those who stepped in and helped the victim during this very traumatic incident,” Acting Staff Sgt. Adam Williams from the Calgary Police Service Sexual Assault Investigative Unit said in a statement. “Those Good Samaritans were instrumental as they stopped the assault and held the suspect until police arrived, which resulted in a quick arrest by our officers.”

One man was arrested at the scene, according to investigators.

Rodrigo Ortiz, 39, of no fixed address, has been charged with one count of sexual assault.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Calgary Police at 403-266-1234 or anonymously through CrimeStoppers.
Shared from CityTV (https://calgary.citynews.ca/2023/08/09/calgary-police-good-samaritans-sexual-assault/)