Police are seeking a witness who may have information regarding the sexual assault case that occurred in Art Morris Park on May 31.
The potential witness is a man, who was seen playing with his dog in an adjacent ball field around the same time of the assault, which occurred between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
He was wearing a black hoodie or sweat shirt and drove a grey or white full-sized, long box pickup truck. His dog was described as a black Labrador cross.
“He may have seen somebody or something that may help us in the investigation and give us more information to move forward with,” said Cpl. Darren Lagan. “I stress this is a witness, not anybody who we believe was involved.”
The victim, an 18-year-old Sooke woman, noticed the man and his dog as she was walking on a path between the ball diamonds and tennis courts.
She was then attacked and sexually assaulted by an unknown man behind the band stand and bleachers. Shortly after the attack started, the victim heard the potential witness’ vehicle start up and leave.
The victim managed to escape and call police, who were unsuccessful in locating the suspect with a police service dog.
Lagan said police are concerned due to the rarity of such crimes in Sooke and stranger on stranger nature of the assault.
The victim described the suspect as a man older than 30, thin build, dark buzz cut hair, dark moustache, and goatee with some grey hair.
He was wearing dark coloured jeans with a belt, and a light coloured stained t-shirt.
His breath also carried the distinct smell of beer.
Women are advised to travel in groups and lit areas or to drive.
The Westshore RCMP Major Crime Unit and Island District General Investigation Section are currently assisting Sooke RCMP.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Sooke RCMP at 250-642-5241 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477).
