'This behaviour is unacceptable': Police seek suspect after West Edmonton Mall sex assault

Edmonton police are looking to identify a man wanted for reportedly sexually assaulting multiple women at West Edmonton Mall last month.

On Nov. 20, officers were called to the mall after receiving a report of a sexual assault, police said in a Wednesday news release. Officers were told a woman was riding an escalator when an unknown man came up to her from behind and “intentionally squirted an unknown substance resembling semen onto her back and buttocks.”

After investigating, officers learned the same man unknowingly followed and approached approximately seven women the same day, Nov. 20 between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Police said investigators believe the man was targeting shorter women in their early 20s with dark hair who were walking alone, and are asking anyone who was at the mall and experienced similar behaviour to contact police. 

“Our investigation suggests this suspect has likely done this before and we believe there may be other women who were not aware of the assault at the time and only realized after noticing their clothing was soiled,” said EPS Const. Bryn Petch in the news release. “If you’ve had a similar experience while shopping, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible.”

The man is described by police as being in his 20s, standing approximately six-foot-four with a medium build, and wearing a red toque, a red plaid jacket and glasses at the time.

“This behaviour is unacceptable. Whether a substance is real or an imitation does not change the seriousness of what occurred,” said Staff Sgt. Christa Laforce with the EPS sexual assault section.

“The context of these incidents is concerning, and acts intended to sexually violate, humiliate, or degrade another person will be treated as sexual assault. We want the public to understand that this behaviour is taken very seriously, and victims are encouraged to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 780-423-4567. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.

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