On December 30, more than two weeks ago, Powell River RCMP put out a media release informing the public that a sexual assault had occurred on the 4300 block of Joyce Avenue. The short release noted that police attended the residence of a distraught 41-year-old woman who had reported that an unknown male had entered her home in the early morning hours and sexually assaulted her.
According to the release, the woman was taken to Powell River General Hospital with undisclosed injuries and the male suspect was not identified.
Since that time, the update from police has been minimal. When pressed by our editorial team, police have repeatedly told us the investigation is ongoing and that there is "no threat to the public." This doesn't make any sense.
An unknown male sexual-assault perpetrator’s DNA samples may be soon sent to a sex-offender registry, and there is no threat to public safety?
The way this is being handled is not new for Powell River RCMP. In October 2014, a woman who was jogging on the sea wall was sexually assaulted by an unknown male. An ongoing investigation at the time revealed no suspects and police still have an open file on the case.
In this most recent sexual-assault case, the public is worried about an unknown male who commits sexual assaults roaming the streets for the past two weeks. It is completely understandable that residents, especially those close to the area of the crime, are very concerned.
One of our readers wrote to us, "Will you please follow up on this story? My two young children and I live close by to where this incident took place and worry about the safety of the area."
It is important that police not reveal information that might jeopardize their investigation, but putting out a media release about a sexual assault, then reassuring residents they are not in danger and reminding them to lock their doors all at same time, is not productive community outreach.
If police hope to receive the public's help in this investigation, they will need to be more forthcoming with additional information and provide some context for statements that seem contradictory.
Protecting and serving is also about working with the community and shedding light on serious crimes. Right now it feels like we are being left in the dark.
Jason Schreurs, publisher/editor
