Nanaimo police hope the public can help track down two men who allegedly sexually assaulted a 37-year-old Nanaimo woman in Harewood on Wednesday morning.
According to police, the incident occurred between 3:30-6 a.m. and began when the victim was approached by two men while she was walking on Ninth Street and asked if she wanted to have some drinks with them. She agreed and they walked to a grassy area between Ninth Street and the Nanaimo Parkway.
Soon after the men became aggressive and sexually assaulted her.
After the suspects left, the victim was able to get to her house. She had sustained injuries that police described as non-life-threatening during the assault.
Police were notified of the assault later that day and started their investigation, which included a forensic examination of the area where the assault allegedly happened.
One of the suspects is described as a white male in his mid- to late-30s, about 5-foot-6 with shoulder-length hair, who was wearing a black long-sleeve shirt and red shoes. The second suspect is described as a First Nations male, at least 5-foot-7, with heavier build and a tattoo, possibly of a circle, on his right calf. The second suspect was wearing shorts and a white T-shirt.
Sgt. Sheryl Armstrong, Nanaimo RCMP spokeswoman, said a forensic sketch of the suspects is forthcoming and the victim is being supported by RCMP Victim Services.
"We really need the public to come forward on this," Armstrong said. "If you have any information please contact us or Crime Stoppers."
Anyone with information on this incident, please call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.