Whitehorse RCMP are warning the public to be extra vigilant after having received two similar reports of attempted sexual assaults.
The initial report occurred on July 8 at approximately 11:30 a.m. A woman was walking along the Valley View Escape Trail on the west side of the Alaska Highway past the Black Street Stairs when she noticed a man stumbling out of the bushes. She asked if he was alright and the man allegedly attacked her, dragged her into the woods along the trail and attempted to sexually assault her. She was able to fight him off and escaped, possibly injuring the suspect in the process.
A second report was received by police in the late morning of July 9. Both victims provided a similar account of what happened and suspect description as follows:
- Indigenous man;
- 35-40 yrs old;
- average build;
- approximately 5 foot 10 inches tall;
- dark, medium length curly hair;
- dark eyes;
- wearing jeans, black or brown shoes, and a dark coloured sweater.
Whitehorse RCMP would like to speak with two potential witnesses from the incident on July 8. An older man and woman possibly in their 60's, who were walking their dog along the trail at the time the assault happened.
Anyone in the area on July 8 or 9, who may have noticed anything suspicious or a man who fit the description above, is urged to contact Whitehorse RCMP at 867-667-5555.