Police in North Bay, Ont. have charged a 58-year-old man from Maple Ridge, B.C., following an allegation of sexual assault on July 30, 2026. The accused, identified in court documents as Nazif Kamenjas, was located and arrested the day after the incident and has been released on bail with a scheduled court date of Aug. 25, 2026.
What police say happened
According to the North Bay detachment, the woman encountered the suspect on the street. Police allege he encouraged her to drink an alcoholic beverage, followed her home and then restrained and sexually assaulted her. The victim later sought medical attention and reported the matter to police the following day.
Thecharged individual was arrested without incident and remains presumed innocent under Canadian law until proven guilty in court.
Official response and supports
“Sexual violence has no place in our community. We recognize the courage it takes for survivors to come forward,”
said Assistant Deputy Chief Jeff Warner in a statement accompanying the police report. He added that investigators are committed to thorough inquiries, accountability for offenders and ensuring survivors have access to supports.
Kathleen Jodouin, executive director of Victim Services of Nipissing District, emphasised that survivors deserve safety, assistance and to be believed. The organisation said it offers confidential, non-judgmental support and information to those affected.
Immediate steps for survivors and bystanders
When sexual violence occurs, timely decisions about safety, medical care and reporting are deeply personal. Resources mentioned in the police release include:
- Local victim services — Victim Services of Nipissing District for those in the North Bay area
- Police emergency line — call 911 if in immediate danger
- To report a past incident — follow online reporting options through RCMP services
For residents of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, the news release points to Community Services’ sexual assault support program for people aged 19 and older, with contact information available at the organisation’s website.
Context and legal process
Once charged, an accused person is entitled to a presumption of innocence. The Crown must prove charges beyond a reasonable doubt in court. Police statements note that none of the allegations have been tested in court and the judicial process will determine guilt or innocence.
Matters of sexual assault often involve careful collection of evidence, medical records, witness statements and investigative interviews. Victim services can assist survivors through the criminal process, offer referrals to counselling and explain legal options.
| Key dates | Details |
|---|---|
| July 30, 2026 | Alleged incident in North Bay |
| July 31, 2026 | Victim reported incident to police; suspect arrested the same day |
| Aug. 25, 2026 | Next scheduled court appearance |
Why this matters beyond the immediate case
Allegations of sexual violence reverberate through communities, raising questions about personal safety, support availability and police response. Public statements from law enforcement and victim services aim to reassure the public that reports are taken seriously and supports are available.
For communities in the North and across Canada, the availability of culturally safe, timely resources can be uneven. While this release details supports available in the Ontario and Lower Mainland contexts, survivors living elsewhere — including in Nunavut and other northern regions — may face barriers to immediate medical care and specialized counselling. Local health centres, territorial victim services and Indigenous-led organisations can be important sources of support where available.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, you are not alone. In urgent situations call 911. For non-emergency reporting or to access supports, contact local victim services or police. Online reporting options for incidents that have already occurred are available through RCMP services.
This report is based on information released by North Bay police and Victim Services of Nipissing District. Further court proceedings will determine the legal outcome of the charges.
