CORNER BROOK — It was a frantic scene at Margaret Bowater Park in Corner Brook mid Tuesday afternoon, around 2:30 p.m., when a 16 year-old girl was reportedly attacked on the Corner Brook Stream Trail.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, including forensic identification services, police dog service, and paramedics responded to the call that a female was attacked in the wooded trail network while walking alone from the Glynmill Inn Pond to Margaret Bowater Park. It was further reported the male attempted to pull her into a wooded area off the trail.
People walking in the area heard the female calling for help and that caused the male suspect to flee the area, said an RNC statement.
A cruiser unit, with a female officer was on the scene, and the police dog service was searching for a man who fled the area. At least one other police unit was seen circling the city's core, spotted in the Jubilee Field area at the same time.
While hundreds of youth continued playing around and swimming throughout the north side of the park, the south side saw witness to a number of curious individuals. A small crowd of females gathered near an ambulance parked at the park entrance to the Corner Brook Stream Trail. The alleged victim and a woman were in the back of the ambulance for some time, with witnesses saying the girl had received several scratches and was shaken from the ordeal.
Several girls, who appeared to be in their teens, were waiting outside and at least a couple were visually upset. The teenage girl, and the female with her, exited the ambulance and were escorted to a police car by an officer.
Several minutes earlier an officer came from a wooded area off the trail carrying a large, dark backpack and what appeared to be clothing.
Several people on the scene said that a man "abducted" the girl on the trail and attacked her. The K-9 unit was the last patrol on the scene, allegedly attempting to track the suspect.
Late afternoon, Sgt. Howard Carey of the RNC confirmed there was a report of an assault which took place on the trail. He said the investigation was just in the preliminary stages and would not reveal any details.
A portion of the trail between the Glynmill In Pond and Margaret Bowater Park was closed by police, and reopened after 6:30 p.m.
The alleged attacker was described as being approximately a 30-year-old male around six to six foot one inches in height and 180-200 pounds with very short dark hair.
The RNC Criminal Investigation Division continues to investigate the incident. If anyone has witnessed or has information regarding this investigation, to contact the RNC at 709-637-4100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can now provide anonymous information on the NL Crime Stoppers Website at www.nlcrimestoppers.com
