Police looking for man who allegedly squirted ‘unknown substance’ onto women at West Edmonton Mall

Edmonton police are looking for a man following several sexual assault incidents at the West Edmonton Mall in November, and authorities believe there might be more victims.

The Edmonton Police Service says on Nov. 20, officers responded to the mall after receiving a report of a sexual assault.

“It was reported to police that a woman was riding an escalator, when a man approached her from behind and intentionally squirted an unknown substance resembling semen onto her back and buttocks,” EPS said in a statement.

Investigators believe the sane man followed and approached seven women that day in a similar way, without their knowledge. Each of the incidents are believed to have occurred between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

EPS believes the man was targeting shorter women in their early 20s with dark hair who were walking alone in the mall.

“Our investigation suggests this suspect has likely done this before, and we believe there may be other women who were not aware of the assault at the time and only realized after noticing their clothing was soiled,” says Cst. Bryn Petch with EPS West Division. “If you’ve had a similar experience while shopping, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible.”

The man has been described as in his 20s, around six-foot-four with a medium build. At the time, he was wearing a red toque, a red plaid jacket, and glasses.

Police are also looking to speak to anyone who may have been approached or targeted in a similar way on Nov. 20, or on another date. If anyone has any information, they are asked to contact EPS at 780-423-4567.

“This behaviour is unacceptable. Whether a substance is real or an imitation does not change the seriousness of what occurred,” says Staff Sgt. Christa Laforce with the EPS Sexual Assault Section. “The context of these incidents is concerning, and acts intended to sexually violate, humiliate, or degrade another person will be treated as sexual assault. We want the public to understand that this behaviour is taken very seriously, and victims are encouraged to come forward.”