Saanich Police Detectives are continuing with their investigation into a sexual assault which occurred on the University of Victoria (UVIC) campus during the early morning hours of Saturday, September 26, 2015.
“At this point, our investigators are seeking to identify and interview at least one further witness to this incident” Sgt. Steve Eassie said. “It would appear that this individual may have intervened on the attack on the female student, and prevented the incident from proceeding further. We also believe that this person may have information that may assist us with our ongoing investigation.”
It is believed that the incident took place in a wooded area that is adjacent to Lot #1, which is in close proximity to several student housing residences on the campus. The time period of the incident is estimated to be between midnight on Friday evening and 1:00 in the morning on Saturday.
The victim in this matter has been confirmed to be a female student at UVIC. She has bravely brought this information forward and is being supported at this difficult time.
“It is believed that several people were involved in this incident and at this time, we cannot confirm how many people were in fact involved, or what their involvement may have been” Sgt. Eassie said. “We are seeking further information to allow this investigation to continue to move forward”.
The details of the assault cannot be shared at this time as this is still an ongoing investigation and there are further interviews yet to take place.
UVIC is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all members of the campus community and are assisting Saanich Police with the ongoing investigation. Campus Security patrols residences and all parts of the campus 24 hours a day. Furthermore, a safety bulletin has been published and distributed to alert students and staff of the incident.
Anyone that may have information relating to this incident are asked to contact the Saanich Police Department at 250-475-4321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
File 2015-21423
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158