Nanaimo Mounties are investigating an incident in which a 35-year-old female jogger was assaulted by a masked man in Westwood Lake Park Sunday.
Police said the incident, which happened at about 5:20 p.m., was initially reported by two other joggers and not by the woman who was allegedly attacked. The victim has since contacted police and is cooperating with investigators.
The two female joggers told police they were jogging along the flat straight portion of trail on the back side of Westwood Lake when the victim ran up to them and said she had just been assaulted by a man wearing a black ski mask. She appeared frightened but did not have any physical injuries.
The attacker had jumped out from some bushes and she defended herself by punching him in the face and kicking him, which stopped the assault and she fled the area.
The male was last seen running up the hill toward the power lines.
The suspect is Caucasian with an average build. He was wearing a black ski mask, dark loose pants and a light-colour T-shirt.
Anyone with information about this incident or the suspect is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.
There have been several confirmed reports in recent years of female joggers being confronted by unknown males in Westwood Lake Park.
Police are recommending joggers always run with a buddy and carry a cellphone or whistle. If confronted, remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible and attract attention to you by making as much noise as possible.