DARTMOUTH – The Dartmouth Common is a well-traveled and well-loved community park, but an incident from Saturday night has residents worried about its level of safety.
It was only about 9 p.m. when the victim, who was just 17-years-old, was sexually assaulted and robbed near the south entrance of the park.
The offender — a black male in his twenties — fled the scene on foot through the park and escaped.
“I’m really concerned about it” said resident John MaKeagne. “It’s a great little area, and for stuff like this to happen here is just a shame.”
Halifax Regional Police Cst. Pierre Bourdages said investigators are gathering information and asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect.
Police believe the man had met the girl just minutes before at the MacDonald Bridge bus terminal, then walked with her to the south end of the park. When they reached a darker location, the man grabbed and assaulted her.
A K-9 unit searched the area shortly after, but only the girl’s purse and cell phone were recovered.
The incident is especially upsetting because of the park’s proximity to nearby schools — Dartmouth High and Bicentennial School are both located a short distance away.
People say the neighbourhood feels unsafe lately, and they would like to see more police patrols in the area.
“I think it’s getting a lot more dangerous,” said resident Nancy McLean. “The issue is that this sort of thing is happening right in broad daylight now and we need more police officers on foot here.”
The suspect was last seen wearing a baseball hat, bandanna, and a dark tank top. He is described as 5’5″ tall with a tattoo under his right eye.
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