Saanich police are reporting that a 21-year-old woman was sexually assaulted when she was walking east on Mackenzie Avenue toward Borden Street at around 2:30 in the morning on Saturday.
Police said the unidentified suspect tackled the victim to the ground at Lochside Regional Trail, grabbed her waist, tried to pull her toward him, and tried to take off her shorts. But the victim fought back and was able to escape.
“The survivor of the attack is an incredibly brave woman and she even managed to fight off the assailant,” said Sgt. Jereme Leslie, media spokesman with Saanich police.
The suspect is described by police as a 5’10” heavy build male around 25 to 35-year-old with dark, tanned skin. The suspect had light stubble on his face and was wearing a dark long sleeve shirt with a chest-length zipper and a black baseball hat with an unknown white insignia.
“Officers are currently investigating the sexual assault and we’re asking for anyone who may have seen the assault or knows who the suspect is, to come forward and talk with police,” said Leslie.
Saanich police can be reached at 250-475-4321 or to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Victims of sexual assault can look into support services at the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre at https://vsac.ca
Kori Sidaway
