Maria Canton
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 11/99) - RCMP are investigating the possibility that last week's two sexual assaults on Yellowknife women may have been committed by the same person.

Computer-generated composite sketches, drawn from the women's memories of their attackers, turned out to be very similar when finished.

They did, however, have different descriptions of skin colour. One woman said the man was white, while the other victim said her attacker was native.

"Often the stress and fear of the situation influences a person's memory," said Const. Denise Potvin.

"The one incident occurred in a dark alley and the woman didn't get a clear look at his face."

Last Tuesday, Aug. 3, a woman was in a downtown back alley at 2:30 a.m. when she was approached by a man believed to be in his late 30s with a slim build.

During the assault, the man was frightened off, but the woman was unable to say what it was that made him flee.

Two days later, a second attack occurred. This time at 3 p.m. in a park off Gitzel Street, near the Frame Lake trail.

Following the assault, the man again fled on foot, leaving the woman in the park.

"These incidents can happen any time any where," said Potvin, referring to the mid-afternoon attack.

"Everyone should exercise caution when going through isolated areas."

Both women described their attacker as having gapped or missing teeth, a slim build and wearing a dark ball cap.

"We haven't ruled out that there may be two people, but the drawings are very similar," said Potvin.

"Everyone in the detachment has been given copies of the sketches and is keeping an eye out, this is the top priority for the general investigation section."

Police are checking everyone who fits the description and warn the public to be alert and aware of their surroundings and people in the area.