Two years to the day that a woman was robbed along the Galloping Goose near Aldeane Road, a 32-year-old woman was beaten and sexually assaulted while jogging along the same section of trail near Pickford Road in Colwood.
West Shore RCMP were called at approximately 10:40 p.m. Sunday night, shortly after the attack took place. Police officers, assisted by the Police Dog Service handler, were unable to locate a suspect.
“As of right now, there is no description of the suspect,” said West Shore RCMP Const. Alex Bérubé. “The investigation remains in its early stages and police are still working on gathering evidence and determining the course of events.”
The woman was treated at the scene by B.C. Ambulance and transported to hospital for further treatment. Her physical injuries were deemed to be serious but non-life threatening. The victim and her family were also provided with additional support from the Greater Victoria Victim Services.
A forensic team is examining evidence and it is not believed a weapon was used in the attack.
In the previous attack on this section of the Goose, Berube said, no sexual assault was reported. Police
have no indication this latest attack is related to previous incidents, he added.
Also in March 2015, a 23-year-old woman was sexually assaulted while jogging in Glen Lake Park. No arrests have been made in connection with either case from that time frame.
Police are reminding the public to be aware of their surroundings when using trails, especially if out of the public’s view, and to report any incidents right away to police.
“These trails are not dangerous,” Bérubé said, “these incidents should not dictate how people use the trails.”
As the investigation continues, police welcome any tips that might give them more information or lead to an arrest. Call 250-474-2264.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com
