West Shore RCMP responded to the area of Hatley Memorial Gardens in Colwood, B.C., just after 11:40 pm, March 12, 2015 after receiving a report of a woman who had been assaulted by a stranger. The victim, a 21 year old woman from Colwood was walking with a suitcase, on a trail from Adye Rd through Hatley Memorial Gardens when an unknown male approached her.
The suspect male attempted to engage in a conversation with the victim. As the victim ignored him, he grabbed her suitcase and struck her in her face. He was last seen walking westbound on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.
West Shore RCMP, along with Saanich Police Dog Service (PDS) responded but were not able to locate the suspect.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, round face, heavy set, between 40-50 years old, bad teeth, stubble for a beard, black baseball cap with a tattered brim, blue jean jacket and blue jeans.
The victim was not physically injured and did not required medical attention.
West Shore RCMP have a suspect in custody as of 1 p.m. on Friday, March 13.
The RCMP note that at this time police are not linking last night’s assault with the attack on a female jogger in Langford from March 3, but are investigating to determine if there are any similarities.
If anyone has information on this or any crime please contact our office at 250-474-2264 or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-222-TIPS.