Oceanside RCMP are investigating after a woman was assaulted by a man she had seen masturbating in the woods on trails near the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.
She was walking her dog on the trails about 8:15 a.m. Monday when the man called out to her. She turned away and tried to ignore him but he came up from behind and grabbed her breasts before running off.
Police said it is not known whether the man had a vehicle in the area.
He is described as 30 to 40 years old and of short to medium height with a stocky build and dark or olive skin.
Police said a man with a similar description was reported at 9 a.m. by a woman walking on trails near Parksville’s Springwood Park water tower on Despard Avenue. She spotted him masturbating in the woods and yelled at him, prompting him to run away through the woods.
It is not known if both incidents involve the same man.
Oceanside RCMP ask anyone with information to call them at 240-248-6111.
