Police are still seeking a male suspect believed to be responsible for the attempted abduction of three women in Yorkton last month.
The most serious incident occurred one block south of Broadway at around 11 pm on March 30. A 21-year-old woman told police she had been walking along Laurier Avenue when she was approached by a man in a newer model, dark-colored, four-door truck that appeared to have been recently washed. The man asked her for directions, then exited the vehicle and approached her from behind. Using "an edged weapon," the man forced her into the back seat of his truck where she managed to escape after a short time and call 911.
The woman was physically unharmed; she "managed to talk her way out of it," said Sgt. James Morton of the Yorkton General Investigation Section.
The suspect was said to be 5'6" to 5'10" with an average to medium build. He is estimated to be between 24 and 30 years old, but with short dark hair, a clean cut, and "rounded facial features" that make him "very young-looking."
Police later learned of two similar incidents that occurred separately on March 19 and 29. The women involved were not physically assaulted, but gave similar descriptions of a "nervous" man in a dark four-door truck who stopped them to ask directions.
The man has been reported to carry a slight odor of cologne.
While the RCMP would not say all three incidents involved the same perpetrator, Morton noted that the three composite drawings made with the help of the three victims "all look very similar."
Police have received calls from the public which Morton said they were "processing." However, he added, "we are looking for the public's assistance."
Although the first incident occurred on March 19, Morton said the public was not informed of the potential problem earlier because "she didn't report it until the 30th," after hearing media reports of the other altercations.
The second incident took place at approximately 6 o'clock in the evening, well before dark.
Morton acknowledged that it was surprising the attempt was done in daylight, while noting, "at any time it's alarming." That said, he added, "if you're alone, you're vulnerable at certain times."
"Like any city, Yorkton isn't immune to this sort of thing," the sergeant said.
Morton suggested women walk in pairs, and make sure they are always aware of their surroundings. If something does look suspicious, he said women "should just keep walking" and seek out a safe place.
