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Victoria police are investigating after a 17-year-old was sexually assaulted on a B.C. Transit bus on Sunday.
The teen told police she was followed onto the 28 Majestic bus at Douglas and Fort streets by a stranger about 1 p.m. Nov. 29.
Once on the bus, the man exposed himself to the girl while committing an indecent act, then sexually assaulted her, said Victoria police spokesman Const. Cam MacIntyre.
The teen exited the bus at Shelbourne Street and Cedar Hill Cross Road. The man also got off the bus, but left the area.
The bus driver was not notified at the time of the incident. The girl reported the incident to police at 4 p.m. that day.
Police believe there might have been five other passengers on the bus, but it’s unclear whether they saw anything, MacIntyre said.
Police do not believe the bus had video surveillance cameras but investigators have been canvassing the areas around both bus stops to see if nearby businesses have footage, MacIntyre said.
Investigators are looking for witnesses who might help identify the man, who is described as Black, 20 to 30 years old and five-foot-eight with a slim build. He was wearing ivory-coloured pants.
B.C. Transit said in a statement that it is aware of the incident and “our thoughts are with the young woman involved.” The transit authority said it is supporting the Victoria police in their investigation.
“Though incidents of this nature are rare on B.C. Transit buses, we take reports of inappropriate and illegal behavior, including sexualized violence, within our systems very seriously and work closely with police to follow the legal process for complaints,” the statement said.
B.C. Transit said anyone who is the victim of inappropriate or illegal activity on the bus, or who witnesses such activity should tell the driver immediately or call the police.
Most buses have closed circuit television cameras, B.C. Transit said, and it has emergency notification protocols and enhanced radio communication to manage on-road incidents. B.C. Transit said it provides training to drivers to help de-escalate aggressive passengers and handle inappropriate behaviour.
Anyone with information about the incident or who recognizes the description of the man is asked to call Victoria police at 250-995-7654 and press 1 for the report desk. To report anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
