Posted:
Members of the Sexual Assault Investigative Team of the Integrated Criminal Investigative Division are seeking the public’s assistance identifying the suspect believed to be responsible for a sexual assault that occurred last month in a Bedford store.
Just before 6:30 p.m. on March 18, a man approached a woman in her 50s who was shopping in the women’s exercise section of Walmart located at 141 Damascus Road. He initially walked behind the woman and brushed against her as he passed by. A short time later, the same man again approached her and touched her in a sexual manner over her clothing. The woman yelled and the man ran away. She reported the incident to a store employee and then she later called police.
The suspect is described as a white man, approximately 30, 5'8”, 160 lbs with brown hair and facial hair. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black hoodie with markings on the sleeves and track pants.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the suspect to call 902-490-5016. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or texting a tip - Tip 202 + your message to 274637.
Sexual assault investigations are very complex. As part of our victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to sexualized violence, we work closely with victims to ensure they’re willing to proceed with a police investigation, which includes giving a statement about the incident and providing a description of the suspect if possible. Police must also ensure the victim’s privacy is upheld and well-being is fully considered; sexual assault investigators have been taking these measures since first speaking with the victim, and we’re now in a position to report this incident to the public.
17-40148