Sexual violence at the center
Photo: Colin Dacre
Vernon police are investigating the sexual assault of a prostitute downtown this week.
Officers were called on Thursday around 11pm to assist a woman who had been sexually assaulted.
A preliminary investigation determined the victim, who was engaged in sex work, was approached around 6 or 7 p.m. by a Caucasian male in his 20s driving a newer, large, white SUV near the 3300 block of 31st Avenue.
Once inside the vehicle, the victim was sexually assaulted and left in the Turtle Mountain area.
Investigators believe there may have been other people involved in the vehicle.
The victim made his way downtown, where he was found by RCMP volunteers from the Town of Vernon, who called police.
“We’re releasing this information to the public so that vulnerable people, especially those living high-risk lifestyles, are aware of their own safety when interacting with people they don’t know,” said Const. Chris Terlesky.
“The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP Special Victims Unit is assisting with the investigation and we are collaborating with our partner agencies to proactively disseminate this message.”
Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is asked to contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at (250) 545-7171 and quote file number 2023-578.
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