Teenage girl sexually assaulted in Port Alberni park

A 16-year-old girl was airlifted Tuesday night to Victoria General Hospital with serious injuries following a suspected sexual assault along the train tracks at Roger Creek Park in Port Alberni.

At approximately 5 p.m. on May 21, 2013, the Port Alberni RCMP received a 9-1-1 call from a 16-year-old girl who stated she had been assaulted in the area of the railroad tracks by Roger Creek Park, near Gertrude and Roger Streets. Paramedics from the BC Ambulance station on Roger Street attended immediately, according to an RCMP press release, and transported the girl to West Coast General Hospital where she was airlifted to Victoria.

An RCMP spokesperson said in the release that it is not known whether the victim and attacker were known to each other. Police are looking for a suspect described as a First Nations male in his early to mid-20s who was wearing dark clothing, a red-coloured baseball cap and carrying a backpack.

Because police don’t know whether this was a targeted or random attack, they are cautioning the public to be vigilant of their surroundings, and take extra precautions to ensure their personal safety. “Walk in groups, stick to well traveled routes, and seek help immediately if you witness anything suspicious or concerning,” the spokesperson said.

Significant resources have been dedicated to this investigation including the Port Alberni Major Crime Unit, RCMP Forensic Identification Section, Port Alberni General Patrol Unit and the RCMP Police Dog Services. The West Shore RCMP are assisting Port Alberni investigators with ongoing support of the victim.