Police link sexual assault cases of two teens in Fish Creek park
Calgary police are seeking public assistance in identifying a man believed to be responsible for two separate sexual assaults on youths in Fish Creek Provincial Park.
At around 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, police say a 16-year-old male was riding his bike through Fish Creek Park near the community of Evergreen when he stopped and was approached by an unknown man who began a conversation. According to police, the man asked inappropriate questions and proceeded to sexually assault the teenager.
Two and a half weeks later, on Thursday, June 29, at approximately 6:50 p.m., a 15-year-old male was riding his bike through Fish Creek Park near the Marshall Springs exit when he was approached by a man.
Police say he started a conversation with the boy, then sexually assaulted him.
Both victims were able to get back on their bikes and ride to safety. Police say both incidents occurred in the same area of the park.
Staff Sgt. Melanie Oncescu with the Calgary police child-abuse unit said it’s always a concern when children and teenagers are targeted.
“Unfortunately, you never want to say it’s not safe to travel alone, but it’s always recommended kids and even adults travel in pairs. There’s always safety in numbers,” said Oncescu.
The suspect is described as being southeast Asian, 25 to 35 years old, 5’7” to 5’10” tall with a slim build and a haircut that was short on both sides and medium length on the top. It is also believed he had an accent.
In the first incident, the man was wearing grey shorts, a dark blue shirt, runners and a blue and yellow helmet. In the second, he was wearing blue jeans, a short-sleeve blue shirt and black runners.
Both times, the man was riding a black and blue mountain bike.
“Initially we had some leads,” said Oncescu. “Unfortunately, we’ve reached sort of a roadblock in terms of where we are, so that’s why we’re seeking public assistance at this point.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 403266-1234.