Sexual assault investigation

The Calgary Police Service is currently investigating a sexual assault 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.

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 at the time.

The minivan is described as navy blue, 2008-2010 Dodge Caravan with cloth seats. A CCTV image of the van captured during the incident is available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.

Investigators have confirmed that the ride-sharing driver initially assigned to pick up the woman attended the location, but left without his assigned passenger as she was not there at the requested pickup time. It is not yet known if the driver of the minivan was a legitimate driver for a ride-sharing company, or was merely posing as such.

Anyone with information about this incident 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

CASE # 17090549/3996

Citizens using ride sharing companies are encouraged to contact the company for more information about their safety policies. Ride-sharing companies using apps will often provide identifying information for the driver assigned to pick them up, such as licence plate number, name and photo of the driver.