This story discusses sexual assault. Support information is included below.
An Airdrie man has been charged with six counts of sexual assault after women were allegedly groped while shopping at stores in Calgary and Airdrie.
Shawn Thompson, 30, was arrested at his Airdrie home on September 24.
He faces four charges connected to alleged incidents in Airdrie and two connected to incidents investigated by Calgary police.
The charges have not been proven in court.
RCMP say investigators believe there could be more victims.
Our earlier coverage of the Calgary police appeal is here.
A store manager recognized him
The cases started as two separate investigations in two cities.
Calgary police had released images of a man they were trying to identify after women reported being groped at two Calgary stores.
The manager of the No Frills in Airdrie saw that appeal. The manager had security footage from an incident at the store, recognized the suspect when he came in, and called police.
Det. Krista Park of the Calgary Police Service said the earlier public release helped the investigation.
Airdrie RCMP's General Investigation Section opened its investigation on September 22. Investigators from both police services then reviewed surveillance footage from each store and concluded the same man was involved in all six incidents.
RCMP said investigators identified consistent physical characteristics and clothing, and the repeated use of a red SUV.
Thompson was arrested two days later, without incident.
Six alleged assaults over five dates
August 12, Walmart, Airdrie: Police say a woman was shopping when a man grabbed her buttocks. He said nothing and left the store.
August 15, Shoppers Drug Mart, Calgary: A woman was allegedly groped at the store at 725-500 Country Hills Blvd. N.E.
August 29, Walmart, Airdrie: Another woman was allegedly groped at the same Walmart. Police say the man left shortly afterward.
September 1, Walmart, Calgary: A woman was allegedly groped at the store at 7979 11 Street S.E.
September 17, No Frills, Airdrie: Police allege two women were groped inside the store. One confronted the man, but police say he did not respond and left.
Police say the victims did not know the suspect, and the incidents appear to have been random.
He didn't hide his face
Staff Sgt. Steven Browne of Airdrie RCMP said the man did not conceal his face and was captured on surveillance video during the alleged incidents.
Police have not identified a motive.
Police are looking for two women from No Frills
The two women allegedly groped at the Airdrie No Frills on September 17 have not been identified.
RCMP are asking both of them to come forward.
RCMP believe there could be more victims
Asked how many, Browne said investigators don't know, which is why police are asking the public for information.
Anyone who believes they were affected, or who has information about the incidents, can contact Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7200.
Anonymous tips can go to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at p3tips.com.
In Canada, there is no time limit on reporting a sexual assault.
What happens next
Thompson was held for a judicial interim release hearing and released on conditions.
He's scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Airdrie on October 1.
Support is available
Reporting to police is one option. You don't have to make a report to get help.
Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse operates a support and information line at 403-237-5888, toll-free at 1-877-237-5888.
Alberta's One Line for Sexual Violence is 1-866-403-8000, by phone or text.
In an emergency, call 911.
Sources
Alberta RCMP news release, September 25, 2026
Police seek public assistance to identify sexual assault suspect — Calgary Police Service
Comments from Staff Sgt. Steven Browne and Det. Krista Park as reported by DiscoverAirdrie, Airdrie City View and The Canadian Press.
Comments
Conversation