Suspect sought in attack on Winnipeg real-estate agent

Winnipeg police are hunting for a man accused of attacking and trying to sexually assault a real-estate agent who thought she was making a sale.

A man contacted the agent in December, saying he wanted to look at some properties for sale, police said Tuesday.

The 50-year-old agent showed some homes to a man on Dec. 28. The man phoned her back later the same day, saying he wanted to purchase one of the viewed homes, police said.

The two met at a residence on McGregor Street in Winnipeg, where police said the suspect attacked the woman and tried to sexually assault her.

The agent fought back and managed to escape to her car and drive away, police said. She received medical treatment for injuries to her upper body.

Peter Squire, spokesman for the Winnipeg Realtors
Association, said agents have jobs that often require them to meet strangers alone.

Most keep their guard up and are aware of the potential dangers, he said.

"Maybe some of the newer agents that are newer to the industry may not be, because they're eager to obviously get some business and get some sales and eager to please, in terms of trying to build up a clientele," he said.

"They get so busy with their day-to-day work and the market that they sometimes … get lulled into a sense of complacency and should always keep their guard up."

Police are looking for a 36-year-old man in connection with the attack.

"He is known to police throughout the country," said police spokeswoman Const. Jacqueline Chaput. "There are warrants in other provinces out for his arrest, and there is a possibility that he might leave the province."

The suspect has a criminal record that includes sex crimes, police said.