An 18-year-old exchange student from Germany was the victim of what police are calling a ‘strongarm robbery’ and assault on Wednesday night near Portage Avenue and Vaughan Street.
The woman was crossing Portage Avenue around 7:15 p.m. when a female suspect started following her. The suspect then slapped the exchange student, stole her phone, wallet, and ID, then got away on a bus.
The suspect continued to cause problems while on the bus, harassing passengers and shoving and spitting at the bus driver.
She left the bus in the area of Panet Road and Keenleyside Street.
Const. Jay Murray said the student appeared to have done everything right, including being aware of her surroundings, but some crimes can’t be prevented. He also warned against blaming the location, since violent acts happen in all parts of the city.
“There’s just bad people out there,” he said.
The suspect is described as a thin woman in her 20s around 5’3″ or 5’4″ in height, with shoulder-length dark hair with copper/red ends. She was wearing a black jacket with a fur hood and dark jeans.
The Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to call 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).