A Whitehorse man has been charged with two counts of sexual assault related to incidents at a local hair salon earlier this month.

It’s possible that there are other victims who are not yet known to the RCMP, police said today.

On May 8, two different women reported allegations of sexualized assaults that took place at the salon.

“Both women independently reported the same suspect and similar actions that took place on different days while they were at the Best Cutz salon for a haircut,” police said.

On May 12, 2023, Ali Ahmad Kaied Makawi, 28, was arrested and charged with two counts of sexual assault related to the investigation.

Makawi was released on a set of conditions, including attending future court appearances.

“The business where these offences occurred, Best Cutz in Whitehorse, is aware of the allegations and has been co-operative throughout the investigation,” police said.

Officers from the Yukon RCMP Specialized Response Unit are the lead investigators on the file.

Police are asking that anyone with information to contact them.

“Any additional victims or witnesses are encouraged to reach out to police or seek assistance from community resources,” police said.

“It can be immensely difficult to come forward and speak about sexualized assaults,” said Cpl. Michael Simpson, a supervisor with the Yukon RCMP Specialized Response Unit.

“We and our partners at organizations like Victim Services and SART want to help those who have been victimized to find the way that they are most comfortable getting help.

“Resources and people are available to hear you and assist you, whether that means speaking with police or with another ally in the community in a way that makes you feel safe and supported,” Simpson added.

“You are not alone. We are here if you wish to report any concerns to SRU.”

Whitehorse RCMP can be reached at 667-5555.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim or a witness to this or any other sexualized assault investigation, the following resources are available in Whitehorse:

• SART: the Yukon’s Sexualized Assault Response Team (SART) provides a safe and confidential network of services that focus on needs and choices.

• SART is available to people of all of sexualized assault of all genders, ages, and sexual orientation who have survived a sexualized assault, to guide the process or be an ally. Phone: 1-844-967-7275.

• Victim Services: staff provides services and help for victims dealing with a range of different crimes, regardless of whether the victim has reported the crime, a charge has been laid, or there has been a conviction.

Email: Victim.services@yukon.ca

Phone: 667-8500/Toll-free: 1-800-661-0408, extension 8500.