Achi news desk-
Saint John Regional Police say patrols around Rockwood Park have been increased, following a report of a sexual assault earlier this week.
Police say a 50-year-old woman was walking on a path near Lily Lake on Tuesday shortly before 3pm when an unknown man passed. Police say the women heard footsteps approaching from behind her when the man grabbed her and took her to the ground.
The woman managed to get away from the man and called the police. Officers searched the area, but did not find the man. Police say the woman did not suffer serious physical injuries.
Police describe the suspect as white, pale, thin, around 30 years old, with brown eyes, brown hair, stubble, and no teeth. The police description says the suspect was wearing a dirty t-shirt and sweatpants.
Saint John Police Staff Sgt. Matthew Weir says the police have increased their presence in the park this week, through “a combination of foot and vehicle patrols going through the area” at different times of the day.
Tracy Doyle is a frequent visitor to Rockwood Park, and says the sexual assault report made her nervous.
“I should be able to feel safe in my own city and (our) public parks,” Doyle said. “I’m the same age as the woman who was attacked so it really scares me, and I think about the younger women who go through this too.”
Doyle would like to see more police in Rockwood Park, more often.
“Make yourself known,” Doyle said. “If (police) are limited in terms of resources, they have a program called the axial police program. They could easily use those volunteers and get them out walking to make a presence known, that they’re not going to stand for it.”
Doyle says women in the area should also have better opportunities to learn how to defend themselves, with accessible self-defense training.
