Calgary police have released CCTV images and are asking for help identifying a vehicle connected to what they describe as a random sexual assault.
Officers were called to the Southland CTrain Station parking lot at 10158 Sacramento Drive S.W. at around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25, after witnesses reported a vulnerable woman in distress who appeared to have been sexually assaulted.
She was taken to hospital in stable condition.
Investigators believe she did not know the man before the attack.
The vehicle
Witnesses reported seeing a mid-sized black SUV with chrome trim around the windows leaving the area.
That trim detail is the useful one. Chrome window surrounds are a trim-level feature rather than standard on most mid-size SUVs, which narrows the field considerably for anyone who knows vehicles.
Police have released CCTV images of it.
The description of the man
Police describe him as speaking with an accent and having dark brown hair.
That's the full description released. It doesn't identify anyone on its own, and it isn't meant to. What police are asking for is the vehicle.
If you were near Southland Station
Anyone with dashcam footage from the area is asked to contact police.
The relevant window is roughly midnight to 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25, around Southland Drive, Sacramento Drive and Macleod Trail S.W.
That's a quiet hour, which works in investigators' favour. Fewer vehicles to account for and fewer people to rule out.
Most dashcams record on a loop and overwrite within days. If you drove through that area early Tuesday, check the footage now and save it before it's gone. Keep the original file rather than a screen recording.
The same applies to any business or residential security camera facing a road near the station.
How to reach police
Call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at calgarycrimestoppers.org.
The case number is CA26385704.
Support is available
Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse operates a 24-hour support line at 403-237-5888.
The Alberta One Line for Sexual Violence is 1-866-403-8000, available by phone, text and chat.
Alberta's Family Violence Info Line is 310-1818, 24 hours, in more than 170 languages.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
The investigation is ongoing
No arrest has been announced.
Police have not said whether they believe the man has any connection to the area or whether the vehicle was seen there before.
Sources
Calgary Police Service, public appeal, case CA26385704
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