Man charged after 2 incidents of masturbating in front of teenage girls, attempted abduction

A man has been charged aftertwo allegedincidents of inappropriate behaviour toward teenage girls that involved masturbating and attempted abduction.

The first incident happened on March 5, when a 13-year-old girl was walking home from school along Saddlebrook Drive N.E.

Police said she wasapproached by a man in a white Honda Odyssey van asking for directions through the passenger-side window.

The girltold police she became aware that the man had exposed himself and was masturbating.

As she moved away from the vehicle, the man exited and approached the girl from behind, attempting to force herinto the vehicle, said police.

The girl was able to get away and run home to contact police.

On May 15, a 16-year-old girl and her 10-year-old sisterwere walking on Temple Drive in the city's northeast.

The two were also approached by a man in a white Honda Odyssey van.

Police say the man called the two girlsto the vehicle, at which point they noticed the man had exposed himself and was masturbating.

The girls then ran home and reported the incident to police.

After investigating the incidents, police have identified and charged a suspect.

FerdausAbdul Azim, 34, has been charged with one count of child abduction and two counts of invitation to sexual touching with a child under 16 years of age.

"These incidents are very concerning no child should be approached in that manner," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Preecein a release Friday.

"These incidents have directly impacted three girls in our community and I'm pleased our detectives were able to identify the suspect and lay charges to prevent further victimization."