Chestermere RCMP say no charges were laid after officers investigated three complaints concerning a young man’s behaviour in the Safeway parking lot on Aug. 24.
Officers were called to the shopping centre at approximately 5:50 p.m. after receiving reports that a young adult had approached people and behaved in a manner witnesses considered inappropriate.
Police located the man and spoke with him while his parents were present. According to information released by the detachment, officers observed indications that he was experiencing cognitive difficulties.
The RCMP said its investigation suggested the man had been attempting to make friends but did not understand that others could interpret his actions as unwelcome or inappropriate.
Officers discussed acceptable social behaviour with him and explained how his actions had been perceived by those who encountered him. Police determined that criminal charges were not warranted.
The RCMP did not identify the man or provide specific details about the conduct described in the complaints. No injuries were reported in the information released by police.
Staff Sgt. Kathy Klassen, commander of the Chestermere RCMP detachment, said police take every complaint seriously and investigate the information provided to them.
Klassen also acknowledged that not every police investigation results in a public statement. She said the detachment wanted residents to know that their concerns would be heard and that officers would continue working to represent the community’s needs.
The incident prompted public discussion, but the information released by police remains limited. Residents should avoid speculation or attempts to identify the person involved, particularly because no charge was laid and police have described circumstances that may have affected his understanding of the encounters.
Anyone who believes they have witnessed conduct requiring police attention should report the facts directly to the RCMP rather than relying on social-media accounts.