St. Catharines man, 78, arrested for allegedly grabbing parent in park

Niagara police arrested a St. Catharines man for assault after he allegedly grabbed a parent who was trying to stop him from interacting with their child at a local park.

Officers say they were called to a park in the area of Russell Avenue and Catherine Street on Thursday at around 9 a.m. for reports of a suspicious man watching children play.

Authorities were called about the man when a concerned parent noticed an older man was following children around the park and talking to them on Wednesday.

The parent alleges that at one point, the man attempted to grab their child and when the parent stepped in, the man grabbed them instead.

On Thursday, the man was seen at the park, talking to children once again. Police arrived and arrested him.

Investigators have identified the man as 78-year-old Carmelito Mariano of St. Catharines.

Police believe he may have interacted with other children at parks and schools near Russell Avenue, Catherine and Lake streets.

The man is described as Filipino with a dark tanned complexion. He was seen wearing a long sleeve dark navy shirt, shorts and a baseball hat.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009703.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1-800-222-8477.

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