A woman walking through Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park early Tuesday morning reported being assaulted by a bearded man. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

indecent act

Oceanside RCMP looking for bearded man after potential sexual assault

Apr 3, 2024 | 12:55 PM

PARKSVILLE — Local Mounties are looking to identify a man accused of assaulting a woman out on a morning walk.

Oceanside RCMP received a report from a local woman, who said she was assaulted on Tuesday, April 2 around 7 a.m. as she was walking near the beach in Rathtrevor Provincial Park.

Cst. Tim Kenning told NanaimoNewsNOW a man ran past the woman near the playground and slapped her buttocks.

“[The offender] then pulled down his own pants exposing himself (bare buttocks) then ran into and disappearing in the forested trails of Rathtrevor Park.”

Multiple officers responded and searches of the nearby area failed to locate him.

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He’s described as Caucasian, in his early 30’s, standing around 5’10” tall with a medium build.

Kenning said one distinguishing characteristic was a big, bushy beard. The victim also said he was wearing a baseball cap, black hoodie and grey sweatpants with dark shoes.

An investigation is ongoing to try and identify the man and investigate the circumstances behind the incident.

“This is an assault, we need to determine whether there was a sexual nature to it, if so yes absolutely it could be designated as a sexual assault,” Kenning added. “This investigation is in its beginnings right now, we’re just trying to ascertain all that information.”

Anyone in the area around the time of the assault, who recognizes the description of the man, is asked to contact Oceanside RCMP at 250 248 6111.

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