Durham Regional Police have charged a 44-year-old man in relation to a sexual assault investigation in Whitby involving a teen girl that occurred in September.

In a news release issued Thursday morning, police said that a 16-year-old girl was walking home from shopping in early September when she was approached by a man she did not know.

Police say the man forced her to the back of a store near Brock Street and Maple Street West where he allegedly sexually assaulted the victim.

According to police, a store employee asked them to leave the property and the suspect then followed the victim into her home, before a family member removed him.

The incident was reported to police on Monday.

Nicholas Bereznai, 44, has been arrested and charged with sexual assault.

Police ask that if you have information regarding this investigation, please contact police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5248, or Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca.