LONDON, Ont. - Police in London, Ont., have charged a man for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a teenage girl he met on Snapchat last year.

Police say the 47-year-old man used the username “Scottyboyy2002” on the social media app and pretended to be a 14-year-old boy.

They allege the girl began talking with the stranger on the app over the summer of 2020 and the two agreed to meet at a shopping plaza, where a driver approached the girl threatening to harm her if she did not get in his car.

Police allege the girl was taken to another location and was sexually assaulted by the man.

The man is facing charges including kidnapping, sexual assault, forcible confinement and invitation to sexual touching under 16 years of age.

Police are reminding parents and guardians to talk to their children about communicating with strangers online.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 23, 2021.