Brutal sexual assault worries VicPD about public safety

Warning: The story contains details of sexual assault.

Victoria Police are appealing for witnesses to a sexual assault that occurred near the intersection of Wharf Street and Pandora Avenue in the early hours of July 19.

According to police, the attack occurred before 2:30 a.m. The woman was approached at the intersection by an unknown man and taken to a green area near a tulip statue called “The Commerce Canoe.”

Police say she was threatened and then physically and sexually assaulted. After the attack, the victim ran toward a group of people nearby and the suspect fled the area.

Officers conducted an extensive manhunt for the suspect, and according to a press release, the search for evidence is ongoing.

“Given the violence of this sexual assault, officers are concerned about public safety,” the press release said.

Police are asking witnesses and anyone with information that could help identify the suspect, including anyone with cell phones, dash cams or video surveillance footage of the area at the time of the attack, to call the EComm tip line at 250-995-7654, extension 1.

Anonymous reports can be made to Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.