RCMP searching for possible Kelowna groper

KELOWNA – RCMP say a Kelowna woman was sexually assaulted near MIssion Creek Regional Park this week, and they are looking for other possible victims.

Cpl. Tania Carroll says the woman was standing near the intersection of Kiniski Road and Creekside Road Sunday night around 8 p.m. when she heard rustling in the bushes.

“She reported being grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted,” Carroll says in a media release. “When she struggled and screamed the suspect male ran off towards Springfield Road. The woman did not suffer any injuries that required medical attention and waited until the following morning to report it to the police.”

The woman described him as medium height and build, with light-coloured hair cut short and a tan. He wore a plaid, pastel T-shirt and beige khaki shorts.

“This would be a traumatizing event for anyone and the Kelowna RCMP needs to know if there are any others who have come in contact with this same person,” Carroll says. “If this has happened to you, it’s very important to contact the RCMP as soon as it is safe to do so.”

She says investigators have conducted door knocks and patrols in the area and remind the public to stay in well lit areas, to be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. 

If you have any information about this incident, or you witnessed anyone in the area please contact the Cst. Kevin Hamilton at the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300. Or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.

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