Abbotsford police release sketch of suspect wanted in sexual assault

Abbotsford police have released a composite sketch of a suspect wanted in connection with a daylight sexual assault at a popular park in the British Columbia city.

Source: Abbotsford Police Department

Abbotsford police have released a composite sketch of a suspect wanted in connection with a daylight sexual assault at a popular park in the British Columbia city.

Law enforcement officials noted the suspect “spoke with an accent, suggesting that English might not be his first language.”

Investigators say the incident happened shortly before 7 p.m. on March 24, as a woman was walking alone along a path in Mill Lake Park, between Ashley Way and Alta Avenue.

Police say the suspect approached the woman and asked for help taking a photo with his cellphone before sexually assaulting her.

The victim was not physically injured but was left shaken, officers said.

The suspect is described as a man in his 30s, approximately five feet eight inches tall, with a medium build, short black hair and a short black beard.

Abbotsford police increased patrols in the Mill Lake area, both on foot and in vehicles, since the assault, the department said.

Investigators also noted the man spoke with an accent, suggesting English might not be his first language, though no further details were offered.

Describing the assault as “random,” investigators are asking anyone who recognizes the suspect, or who may have witnessed the assault, to contact police at 604-859-5225.