Nanaimo RCMP arrest man in connection to two sexual assaults on railway tracks

UPDATE: Nanaimo RCMP have arrested Kynan James Krogel in connection with the assaults. He was found in the Slocan Lake area on February 25, and will appear before a judge on February 29.

Police in Nanaimo are investigating after a man sexually assaulted a teenage girl walking along the railway tracks – and they believe it’s the second time he’s done so in three months.

The most recent incident happened Friday afternoon behind the Islamic Cultural Centre. The young woman was walking along the tracks when the suspect approached her from behind, pulled her pants down, and ran south toward Hecate Street.

A similar event happened on December 3, and investigators believe both assaults may have been committed by the same person, based on the suspect description.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male in his 30s, 5’10” and around 160 pounds, with a reddish beard. In the most recent incident, the suspect was wearing a green knitted toque, tan/brown jeans and a grey sweater.

If you have any information on either incident, you’re asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or CrimeStoppers.