Police release statement about weekend sex assault

CITY POLICE

NEWS RELEASE

************************* Officers from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Investigation Services Section are continuing their investigation into a sexual assault that occurred in the early morning hours of November 25.

An adult female was walking in the area of Blake Street around 3 a.m. when a male who approached her from behind assaulted her.

The victim was knocked to the ground and was assaulted by the accused.

The male fled the area when the female began to scream.

He was last seen headed west on Stevens Street.

The male suspect is described as being a Caucasian, between 18 to 20 years of age, approximately 6' to 6'2" tall with a slim build.

He had scrubby facial hair but not a full beard, he had light-coloured bushy or curly hair that was just past his ears and he wore metal-framed glasses.

The suspect also wore dark cargo pants, a dark hoody and a black toque.

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is asking anyone who may have any information regarding this assault to call 949-6300 or Crime Stoppers at 942-7867 or 1-800-222-TIPS.

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to remind residents of the following safety tips:

• be aware of your surroundings and always carry a cell phone

• whenever possible travel in pairs and travel in well-lit, populated areas, especially at night

• trust your intuition. If something tells you a person or situation wasn't right, it likely wasn't

• avoid overgrown trails or deserted streets and never wear a headset while running or walking

• call police immediately if you see anyone or anything suspicious

• vary your route and walk assertively

• plan your route and avoid short cuts through parks, vacant lots or unlit area, especially after dark

• when you approach your vehicle or building take a look around you both in the daytime and the nighttime • if you think you are being followed, head for a place of safety or find other people

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