Police in Saanich are investigating after a woman was assaulted at Mount Douglas Secondary School Tuesday night.
She was walking on the edge of the school property between Teakwood Place and Forest Road just after 8:30 p.m. when a man ran up behind her and tried to start a conversation, according to police.
When she told the man to leave her alone, he reportedly grabbed at her.
Police say that’s when the woman screamed, causing the man to run away.
She was shaken up but uninjured in the assault, and a subsequent search by a police canine unit turned up no sign of the man.
He’s described as a six-foot-tall man with a heavy build and dark features, between 35 to 45 years old, and was wearing a light grey hoodie, dark jeans and possibly running shoes.
Saanich Police are asking those walking alone to remain aware of their surroundings and take caution when using headphones.
It’s unclear whether the assault is linked to a string of disturbing indecent acts that have been committed around the city in recent months.
Police say a man has been either exposing himself or making sexually explicit comments toward teenage girls and young women at bus stops.
Anyone with information is asked to call Saanich Police at 250-475-4321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
