The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) is warning of a sexual assault that took place on Discovery Trail on Saturday, March 22.
The assault took place just before 5 p.m. that day when a 57-year-old woman was walking on the trail in the 3600 block of Clearbrook Road.
The woman noticed a man also walking on the route. She briefly lost sight of him in a curve in the path, but was then confronted by him.
Const. Ian MacDonald said the man had his pants pulled down and tried to grab the woman. She hit him with her umbrella and ran to a nearby picnic area.
“The victim was extremely shaken but managed to call police while standing with a group of other citizens,” MacDonald said.
The suspect was spotted driving out of the park in a white vehicle and heading south on Clearbrook Road.
He is described as a Caucasian man in his late 30s. He has a slim build and is about six feet tall. He was wearing white pants and a black hoodie.
The vehicle is described as a white four-door sedan with a licence plate containing the numbers “784.”
The APD’s major crime unit is continuing to investigate.
“At this time, people should elevate their personal safety practices and try to walk in pairs at all times, particularly on trails and in less populated areas in parks,” MacDonald said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the APD at 604-859-5225, text abbypd (222973) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
