West Shore RCMP are warning the public to stay alert after a man exposed himself to a woman on the Galloping Goose trail on the morning of July 19.
A woman was jogging along the trail just after 7 a.m. when she saw a man with a light-coloured hoodie tied around his waist near Happy Valley Road at Glen Forest Way in Metchosin.
When she got closer, the male removed his hoodie and exposed himself to her, police said. He then ran into the bushes.
The man is described as tall, with straight blond hair. He was wearing a T-shirt of unknown colour.
Police searched the area extensively but were unable to locate the suspect.
"The trails within our communities are used daily by many people and are considered safe,” said Const. Meghan Groulx, spokesperson for the West Shore RCMP.
Unfortunately, these types of investigations do happen now and then. We’d like to remind the public to stay alert to their surroundings and report any suspicious behaviour.
Police shared the following tips for using local trails and parks:
• Always let someone know where you are going and your expected return.
• Walk or run with a friend.
• Carry a cellphone or whistle with you.
• Trust your instincts. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, stop, move to the side of the trail and let them pass.
• If you are concerned for your safety, run in the opposite direction and make noise.
• Stick to the main routes, and avoid shortcuts and secluded areas.
The police investigation is ongoing. Police ask anyone who was in the area on the morning of July 19 and saw someone matching the suspect’s description or witnessed the incident to contact West Shore RCMP, quoting file 2022-12234.
parrais@timescolonist.com
