Mounties seek 2 persons of interest after sexual assault in Duncan
Mounties on Vancouver Island are appealing to the public for help finding two persons of interest in a sexual assault investigation.
The North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP say officers responded to the 200-block of the Trans-Canada Highway in Duncan around 7 p.m. on May 16 after a woman reported she was assaulted by a stranger while walking on a trail.
Police searched the area near McAdam Park, but were unable to find the man. The victim was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
After speaking with witnesses and examining video surveillance from the area, police are now looking for two persons of interest who were in the area at the time of the assault.
The first person of interest reportedly helped the victim get to a gas station to call for help following the assault.
He was wearing a black T-shirt and grey shorts, as shown in a photo released by the RCMP on Tuesday.
The first person of interest reportedly helped the victim get to a gas station to call for help following the assault. He was wearing a black T-shirt and grey shorts, as shown in a photo released by the RCMP on Tuesday. (RCMP)
The second person of interest was wearing a blue tank top and black shorts, and he appeared to be in the area before the victim was able to get help, police said.
The second person of interest was wearing a blue tank top and black shorts, and he appeared to be in the area before the victim was able to get help, police said. (RCMP)
"Every investigation is unique and we must take considerable care to gather evidence, work with victims and then provide accurate and current information to the public," Insp. Chris Bear, the officer in charge of the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, said in a statement Tuesday.
"Police believe these individuals may have crucial information to help advance this investigation."
Anyone with information about the assault or the persons of interest is asked to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

5 dead after single-vehicle crash near Swan River, Man.
Swan River RCMP are investigating a single-vehicle crash that killed five people. Investigators believe the vehicle was travelling northbound when it went off the road, and that speed was a factor in the crash.
Two killed in bear attack at Banff National Park, grizzly euthanized: Parks Canada
Parks Canada says a bear attack in Alberta's Banff National Park has left two people dead. Officials say a response team trained in wildlife attacks was immediately mobilized but weather conditions at the time did not allow for helicopter use.
Federal prisoner with terminal illness granted parole on compassionate grounds to die outside of jail
A terminally ill federal prisoner, who has been fighting for a compassionate release to die outside of jail, has been granted day parole.
Chair hogs, dining divas and boorish boozers: Is cruising etiquette lost at sea?
When it comes to uncouth, uncultured and downright unacceptable behaviour on ships, experts in travel etiquette and cruising have seen it all. They share plenty of bad behaviours for passengers to avoid (and good ones they should emulate).
1 in 20 Americans used ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19, study finds
A recent study has found 1 in 20 people in the U.S. who contracted COVID-19 used non-evidence based treatment, such as ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, due to beliefs in vaccine-related misinformation.
Ontario expands pharmacists' prescription powers to include 6 more common ailments
Ontario residents can now access treatment and medication for six more common ailments at pharmacies across the province.
Airbnb guest who rented a room tied up, robbed Georgia homeowner at gunpoint, police say
Police say a man who used Airbnb to rent a room in Georgia ended up robbing the home's owner at gunpoint.
Why does a group of B.C. killer whales harass and kill porpoises without eating them?
A group of orcas that inhabit Canadian waters are known to harass and kill porpoises without eating them. A new study tries to explain why.
Ontario's minimum wage just went up. Here's what you need to know
Nearly a million minimum wage earners in Ontario got a pay bump today.