Calgary police have formally charged a 64-year-old man with three counts related to indecency following a disturbing incident on a city bus last December that involved a mother and her two young children.
Charges Laid Following Public Transit Incident
Michael Anthony Grodde now faces one count of committing an indecent act in a public place and two counts of indecent exposure to a person under the age of 16. The charges were announced in a police news release on Wednesday, January 6, 2026.
The arrest comes after an investigation into an event that took place on December 4, 2025, at approximately 3:40 p.m. According to authorities, a family was stopped at the intersection of westbound 25th Avenue S.E. and Macleod Trail S., adjacent to a Calgary Transit bus numbered 17.
Mother's Quick Thinking Aids Investigation
One of the children first noticed a man seated by the bus window. The individual then proceeded to expose himself and commit an indecent act. The child immediately alerted their mother.
The woman acted swiftly, instructing her children to look away. She then used her phone to record the man before calling the police once they reached their destination. Her actions provided crucial evidence for investigators.
Police initially described the suspect as a man between 60 and 70 years old with white hair and a moustache. At the time of the incident, he was reportedly wearing:
- A camouflage-coloured baseball cap
- A dark puffy winter jacket
- Black pants
- Black shoes
A History of Sexual Offences
Court records and past news reports reveal that Michael Anthony Grodde has a significant criminal history related to sexual offences. A 2016 Calgary Herald report noted prior convictions for crimes including sexual assault with a weapon, indecent exposure, and making indecent phone calls.
His physical description from that time lists him as five-foot-nine, approximately 185 pounds, with balding grey hair and brown eyes. He also has distinctive tattoos, including a dragon on his right leg and a heart with a knife on his right forearm.
The incident occurred in the community of Erlton in southeast Calgary. Police confirmed that the suspect was identified and arrested following their public appeal for information, which was first issued on December 30, 2025.
Ongoing Legal Process
The Calgary Police Service has not released further details regarding a court date for Grodde. The case highlights ongoing concerns about public safety on transit and in community spaces.
Authorities are reminding the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious or criminal behaviour immediately by calling 911 for emergencies or the non-emergency line for other concerns.
