Police issue warning after random sexual assault

Update:

After further investigation it has been determined that a black truck in the area, which was previously believed to have been suspicious, was not related to the sexual assault that occurred later the same night. Anyone with information in relation to the identity of the sexual assault suspect is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers. 

We are warning Calgarians to be vigilant of an unknown man who reportedly approached a group of three young women and sexually assaulted one of them last weekend.

At approximately 12:55 a.m., three women were walking back to a residence in the 900 block of Ridge Road S.W., through Elbow Park, west of 32 Avenue and Eighth Street S.W., along a pathway to Pitt Avenue and Ridge Road S.W., when a nude, unknown man suddenly grabbed one of the women in a sexual nature. The man proceeded to pin one of the other women down to the ground. Two of the women were able to escape and run to the residence where they called police.

At approximately 1:05 a.m., police arrived and located the third woman who was walking back to the residence. After speaking with the women, police continued to do door knocks in the area. HAWCS and the Canine Unit also conducted patrols in hopes of locating the man but were unsuccessful.

The man is described as Caucasian with dark hair and facial hair.

“Serious incidents, especially when they appear to be random, are extremely concerning for victims and for the whole community,” says Staff Sergeant Brad Moore of the Calgary Police Service. “We have increased patrols in the area where the reported attack occurred, and officers are continuing to investigate. We are asking citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police.”

The Calgary Police Service is issuing this warning in the belief that it is clearly in the public interest to inform Calgarians about this incident.

Members of the public are advised that the intent of the warning is to enable members of the public to take suitable precautionary measures and not to embark on any form of vigilante action.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips

CA24328523/5870