Police searching for west Edmonton assault suspect

By Mathew White

EDMONTON — Edmonton Police are on the lookout for a man who broke into a woman’s west end apartment and assaulted her early Tuesday morning.

According to police, the 24-year-old woman was sleeping alone in her apartment at 170 Street and 69 Avenue.  She awoke shortly before 4 a.m. to find a man standing in her hallway who allegedly broke into her apartment and was armed with a weapon.  Police said when the man began to assault the woman she fought back and forced the suspect to flee.

The woman was taken to a hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Dean Parthenis, EPS spokesman, said at this stage of the investigation police are not releasing specific details regarding the assault.

Over the past two days, officers have been conducting door-to-door interviews, speaking with possible witnesses in the building in hopes of identifying the suspect.  Forensic officers were also able to gather evidence from the victim’s apartment, but police are not saying what exactly the evidence is as they wait for lab results.

“There’s potential that evidence gathered at the scene may also assist in the coming days,” said Parthenis.

The man has been described by police as a non-muscular, possibly heavier-set male with a buzz cut.  He was last seen wearing a t-shirt and long pants.  Because the victim was essentially sleeping during the attack, she wasn’t able to give a more detailed description said Parthenis.

In the mean time, police are suggesting all residents double check their security measures to help prevent similar situations.

“If you live in an apartment building or condo complex, get to know what kind of security options are available,” said Parthenis.

“Does it necessarily guarantee a break-in might not happen?  No, not necessarily.  But it would probably improve your chances of one not occurring.”