Calgary police investigate violent sexual assault in downtown core

CALGARY – Calgary police are investigating a violent sexual assault in the city’s downtown core.

Officers were called to a parkade in the 200 block of 6 Avenue S.W. at around 3:45 a.m. on Sunday by security guards. The guards had found a woman who had been severely beaten and sexually assaulted in one of the parkade stairwells.

The victim, in her 40s, was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

“Physically, she will recover but she’s in rough shape,” said Staff Sgt. Bev Voros with the Calgary Police Service.

It’s believed the woman met her attacker around 3 Street and 7 Avenue S.W. and agreed to go with him to meet a friend. After meeting the friend, the group dispersed, with the suspect and woman continuing to the stairwell where the woman was allegedly beaten and sexually assaulted.

“They were strangers, they had just met,” Voros said. “There was no relationship at all.”

“The victim did not ask for this, it’s not her fault. No one ever asks to be sexually assaulted.”

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Police describe the first suspect as a dark-skinned man between 5’6″ and 5’8″ tall with a slim build. He was wearing a toque, a brown sweater, black jacket and blue jeans. His jacket had fur around the hood and he was wearing runners.

Officers are also hoping to speak with a second man who is considered is a person of interest. Police describe him as having a slim build. He was wearing a track suit and a red coat.

Anyone with information about this case or the persons involved is asked to call police or contact Crime Stoppers.

– With files from Doug Vaessen