Woman reports sexual assault near U of S campus

A woman out walking near the University of Saskatchewan contacted campus security, after she was sexually assaulted by a lone male this morning.

At around 11:30 a.m. CST a man approached the woman while she was on the Meewasin Trail near the Diefenbaker Centre, the university said.

The man stopped his bike, and grabbed her in a sexual manner. Police and campus security officials say the woman was not physically harmed.

Police, campus security investigating

"It's coincidental in its timing," said Patti McDougall, the university's vice-provost of teaching and learning. She noted the assailant in this case was a stranger to the victim.

"More commonly on our campus when  a sexual assault takes place and across the country, it would be perpetrated by someone known to the target," McDougall said. "Someone with whom they were in a relationship or with whom they're acquainted."

Tomorrow, the university plans to release a new policy for students and staff regarding sexual assault.

Information sought

McDougall said everyone on campus received an e-mail about today's attack within an hour about. She would not say whether there was any surveillance video in the area where the attack took place.

The suspect is described as an aboriginal man with short black hair, approximately 30 years old, wearing a long-sleeved black shirt and riding a black mountain bike.

The university asks anyone who sees suspicious activity to call Protective Services at 966-5555. Students, faculty and staff may access Safewalk at 966-7233.