Vancouver Island police probe alleged sex assault of teen in corn maze

SAANICH, B.C. – Police on Vancouver Island are investigating a report that a teenager was sexually assaulted while visiting a corn maze in Saanich.

A statement from Saanich police says the 16-year-old was with her mother exploring the maze on Oct. 25, when she reported hearing comments from a group of 13-year-old boys before she was "touched from behind in a sexual manner."

Investigators call the incident "brazen," saying it occurred even though the victim was walking with a parent at the time.

They say the 16-year-old and her mother identified the group of boys but couldn't pick out a specific suspect because the maze was busy at the time.

Police were contacted and three youths were detained until their parents arrived at the farm.

Saanich police say they are now seeking witnesses or other potential victims.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 29, 2019.