Additional information surfaces in sexual assault investigation
The Calgary Police Service has additional information in relation to a sexual assault investigation involving a man who falsely identified himself as a driver for a ride sharing company.
In the early morning hours of Sunday, March 5, 2017, a group of people were standing outside a restaurant in the 300 block of 11 Ave. S.W., when a minivan pulled up. The driver stated he was a ride sharing driver and asked if anyone needed a ride. One woman had made arrangements with the ride-sharing company and got into the van believing it was there for her.
The man drove the woman to her home, where he insisted on walking her to her door. The man then made unwanted verbal comments before inappropriately touching the woman multiple times. Eventually the man ceased his behaviour and returned to his vehicle. The victim then called police.
Additional CCTV footage from very close to the 300 block of 11 Ave S.W. has come forward which shows that prior to driving the woman home, the suspect had gotten out of his vehicle and approached a different woman as she was walking by. The woman continued walking and the man returned to his vehicle. This video is available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.
The suspect is described as a lighter-skinned man, with a distinct accent, in his early 30s, approximately 5’10” tall, with a medium build, dark eyes and clean cut with no facial hair. He was wearing a black baseball hat, black and white shoes, and gloves at the time.
The minivan is described as a navy blue, 2008 to 2010 Dodge Caravan with cloth seats. It appears the van had something hanging from the rearview mirror.
Anyone with information about these incidents or the identity of this man is asked to call the Calgary Police Service at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
TEXT: 274637
Citizens using ride sharing companies are encouraged to contact the company for more information about their safety policies. Customers should be diligent about checking the information that is provided to them by the ride sharing company app with their booking confirmation:
- the time, date and location where the customer is to be picked up;
- the destination where the customer is to be dropped off;
- a photo of the Driver;
- the Alberta licence plate number of the vehicle, and;
- the make and model of the vehicle.
Other features citizens can also pay attention to include:
- Every ride share car has a sticker in the rear window identifying it as a registered ride share car, and
- Every ride share car has a commercial licence plate.
Under the Livery Transport Bylaw, drivers of ride share companies are not permitted to pick up fares who hail them on the street, or to approach potential customers to offer service. Drivers are only permitted to pick up customers who have booked the ride through the company’s app. Any person who is approached by a ride share driver should report the incident and the person’s licence plate to 311. If they feel as though their safety is threatened, they should call 9-1-1.