Sexual Assault Investigation

The Calgary Police Service is investigating a stranger sexual assault in the community of Canyon Meadows that was reported last night.

On Sunday, June 15, 2014, a woman in her 20s exited a CTrain at Heritage Station, before boarding a Calgary Transit bus at approximately 10:55 p.m.

A man got on the bus at the same time.

The woman had been on the CTrain since boarding on the northwest line. Investigators believe the man boarded at Chinook Station, before following the woman onto the bus at Heritage Station.

It is believed the man and the woman, who were not known to one another, were the only passengers on the bus at the time.

Both passengers exited the bus at Elbow Drive and Canata Place S.W., at approximately 11:10 p.m.

The man followed the woman as she walked westbound.

As the woman walked on the pathway through a green space between Canata Close and Canterbury Drive S.W., it is alleged the man ran quickly towards her.

The culprit threatened the woman with a weapon, and then repeatedly sexually assaulted her.

The victim was eventually able to run to safety, where she called police. She was then transported to a local hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

The suspect is described as black with a medium skin tone, in his 20s, approximately 6’ tall, with a slim build. He was wearing a grey jacket, a green T-shirt, black runners, jeans and a dark-brimmed hat. It is believed he spoke with a French accent.

The CPS Sex Crimes Unit is working very closely with Calgary Transit Public Safety and Enforcement, who has provided valuable assistance.

CCTV photos of a man who may have information on this incident were taken by Calgary Transit security cameras. These photos are being released, and are available at The City of Calgary Newsroom.

Anyone with information on this incident, including the identity of the suspect, is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: tttTIPS.com

TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637

Police would also like to speak to a man who was sitting on the Heritage CTrain Station stairs by an out-of-order escalator just before 11 p.m., who had a conversation with a man matching the suspect’s description. There is no indication the two men knew one another.

Police are offering the following safety tips to all Calgarians to protect themselves:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Try to stay in well-lit, well-populated areas whenever possible.
• Minimize using distracting technology like music players and cell phone.
• Make sure whenever possible others are aware of your route and your expected arrival time.
• Develop a safety plan: let someone you trust know where you are going, and when to expect you back.
• If you are suspicious of someone, trust your instincts. Do not engage in any conversation and proceed to the nearest safe or public place and report the incident immediately. Scream or use a personal emergency alarm to attract attention.
• If you see anything suspicious, call police at 403-266-1234 or call 911 to report a crime in progress.

Case # 14221416

Information on a media availability was previously sent in a separate advisory.