Sexual assault: Warning for women

RCMP are warning women to be cautious after a teenage girl was sexually assaulted Wednesday night in Rutland.

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200 block of Hollywood Road North

Police say the 16-year-old girl was waiting for a friend in the 200 block of Hollywood Road North about 8:40 Wednesday night when she was approached by an unknown man.

"He spoke with her briefly before offering his hand in greeting," says Cst. Kris Clark.

"When she reached out to shake his hand, he pulled her hand down to touch his genitals. The girl fled from the man who may have followed her a short distance. She escaped otherwise unharmed."

Clark says the suspect is described as:

• Dark skin, possibly Hispanic
• 5'5" to 5'7"
• 180 lbs
• 50-55 years of age
• Short black hair
• Spoke with broken English, possibly a Spanish accent
• Wearing a black jacket with a white stripe on the back
• Wore keys on his waistline

Clark says women should adopt the buddy system and should not walk alone.

Anyone with information regarding this incident are asked to call Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.