Police calls on the rise at Topaz Park where recent sexual assault of teen occurred
Victoria police continue to investigate a disturbing sexual assault that reportedly occurred on Tuesday morning in Topaz Park.
Nancy Raycroft and her dog, Murphy, are regulars at the park.
"I’ve been here everyday for over 20 years," said Raycroft, who lives a few blocks away.
She has begun to feel unsafe coming to the dog park as more campers have been moving into the park.
"Especially after the assault that just happened," said Raycroft on Friday.
On Tuesday morning between, 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., two men cornered and sexually assaulted a female exchange student along a pathway in Topaz Park, police say.
Topaz Park in Victoria is pictured on Dec. 9, 2022. (CTV News)It’s a crime that the Victoria Police Department is gravely concerned about.
"First of all, it is the nature of the incident, the targeting of the victim, the location in public, and the timing," said Bowen Osoko, spokesperson with the Victoria Police Department.
The assault went on for several minutes before the teenager was able to break free of the men. She ran to a safe place and told an adult about what had just happened.
"This young women did everything right," said Osoko. "She displayed courage and tenacity in a situation that would be terrifying and very dangerous."
The Victoria Police Department wouldn’t confirm if the teenaged girl attends the nearby school Ecole Secondaire Victoria High School. Many students do have to make their way through Topaz Park to attend classes in the morning.
On Friday, the principle of that school sent out a letter to students and parents, warning of the assault that had taken place in the park.
The letter reminded students to be mindful of their safety in and around Topaz Park.
The two men are described as being approximately 60 years of age with dark hair. Both were wearing dark-coloured clothing, large backpacks, and had dishevelled appearances.
Those two men are still at large.
"I did see those two guys come in," said Raycroft.
Raycroft was in the park on Tuesday morning before the assault happened. She saw the men enter the park as she was leaving.
"They caught my eye because they were dressed all in black with black knapsacks," she said.
Nancy Raycroft and her dog, Murphy, are pictured in Topaz Park. (CTV News)
GROWING CONCERNS
Over the past few months, police say calls to the park have increased.
"Topaz Park is an area where we’re seeing more concerns from the public," said Osoko.
"There’s been assaults, there’s been fights, there’s been some overdose calls, as well as calls involving crime and that type of thing," he said.
The Church Of Jesus Christ Of The Latter-day Saints backs onto Topaz Park. It is getting high-pitched mosquito speakers installed to deter people from sleeping in doorways and a fence is also being installed around the entire perimeter of the property.
It’s a sign of a growing problem in the park next door.
"If anyone saw anything, even if they didn’t see the incident, they think they may have recognized or seen these two men, it’s really important for them to give us a call," said Osoko.
The Victoria Police Department is looking for any dashcam footage or security video from Tuesday morning.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.