Man arrested in sexual assault of teenager at Beacon Hill Park

A man accused of choking and sexually interfering with a 15-year-old in a tent in Beacon Hill Park has been arrested.

The suspect was located in the park on Wednesday afternoon and taken to police cells.

The teenager is developmentally delayed and suffered what police call potentially life-altering injuries.

Officers were called to the park shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday after a report that a teen had been assaulted and choked in a tent.

Paramedics responding to a medical call about the teen alerted police when they learned the victim had been assaulted.

When the officers arrived, they found a number of campers standing near the paramedics, “interfering with the victim’s medical treatment.”

Victoria police said two officers were assaulted by people camping in the park who obstructed the police investigation and interfered with attempts by paramedics to treat the teenager’s injuries. One officer was bitten, while another was spit upon, police said.

Eventually, the victim was carried to an ambulance and taken to hospital. The teen, who had been reported missing Tuesday night, is believed to be back home.

A 38-year-old man was arrested and remained in police custody awaiting a court appearance. Police are recommending charges of assault, assault by choking, assault with a weapon, sexual interference and sexual exploitation..

Police ask anyone with information to call the report desk at 250-995-7654 ext 1. To make an anonymous report, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).