There has been another bike assault reported in Edmonton, this one in the southwest.
The Edmonton Police Service is urging people to report crimes immediately.
Police believe this latest assault occurred on July 29 at 6:00 pm on a bike trail in the Queen Elizabeth Park area.
A woman told police she was riding her bike when she was allegedly assaulted on a bike trail by a male who was riding a bike. She didn’t sustain any injuries.
The incident may be linked to other assaults that have happened on bike trails this year in the Gold Bar, McNally, Dawson, and Muttart Conservatory areas. In all cases, the suspect was riding a bike on the bike paths and allegedly grabbed the victims from behind.
EPS says it’s currently investigating six different bike assaults since September 2011, but there has been an increase in recent months.
“These assaults that have happened are quick in nature and people will say ‘I wasn’t hurt, I didn’t fall off my bike, I’m just going to let it go.’ There’s not a lot we can do with that, so but we do wish you’d at least let us know,” says Detective Lisa Mah, with EPS Southwest Division.
Get breaking National news
The suspect has been described as a Caucasian male with an average build, 5’10″ – 6’0″ tall, 50 years of age and long grey hair tied in a ponytail. He was seen riding a blue bike and could have also be wearing a bike helmet or hat.
Mah says in order to deploy police resources in a more adequate manner, it’s helpful to know about the incident as soon as possible because there may be more incidents that are unreported.
“I do believe so,” says Mah, “and I would like them to come forward…even though it is delayed, we need that information.”
Bonnie and Nancy use the bike trails often and feel safe, but point out that precautions are a good idea.
“You can’t do anything about someone targeting people at any time, but you take what precautions you can,” says Bonnie.
“I have to say, I don’t do the trails alone. I’m always with someone even in broad daylight,” adds Nancy.
Donna has been using the trails for years and has never had a problem, but is going to be more cautious now.
“No matter what, you are a female and vulnerable,” Donna points out.
She adds that she is always aware of her surroundings and reports suspicious activity as soon as she sees it.
Mah recognizes many people wear earphones while biking but says it can be dangerous because you cannot hear someone coming up behind you. She recommends only putting in one earphone, or if you must wear two to ensure that the volume is turned down. This will allow you to still hear what is going on around you. Always carry a cell phone with you and try not to bike alone. Mah says if you must bike alone, make sure to tell someone where you’re going and what time you will be back.
EPS reminds everyone to take normal precautions, be aware of your surroundings, and report suspicious people or activity to the police immediately.
Anyone with information that could help identify the suspect is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
Comments