Winnipeg police warning women of assaults along Red River trail system
Posted August 9, 2021 4:12 pm.
WINNIPEG (CityNews) – Winnipeg police are warning the public of several alleged sexual assaults that have occurred along the Red River trails in the River-Osborne, Riverview and Lord Roberts communities.
WPS say between April and August several incidents have been reported of women being attacked along the trail system throughout the communities at various times of the day between the early evening and early morning hours.
The most recent was Monday, around 3:45 a.m., where police say they responded to a report of a teenager who had been sexually assaulted along the trail near Churchill High School. The teen managed to free herself and run for help.
Around 6:00 p.m. that day, a woman in her twenties was reportedly jogging along the river trail near Harkness Avenue when an unknown male came up from the riverbank and attacked her. She screamed and was able to escape.
Police say similar a incident happened on June 12, at Cockburn Street and Churchill Drive and a public advisory was issued.
All the victims were women between 15 and their late 30s. Police added that the victims were grabbed from behind, pulled to the ground, and threatened with a weapon.
Winnipeg Police Service is advising the public to:
- walk/run along the trails with a partner when possible
- tell someone the route you are taking
- avoid poorly lit paths or running/walking when it is dark
- stick to populated paths when running/walking/cycling
- carry a cellphone and/or personal alarm device
- run without headphones
- if you are confronted, be loud and shout for help
If anyone has any information that may assist investigators, call the Sex Crimes Unit at 204-986-6245 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).
Police did not provide any suspect descriptions.
