Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Apr 22/02) - Sexual assaults by strangers are rare in Iqaluit.

But the RCMP is asking for the public's assistance in an alleged assault of this kind.

A woman told police a man wearing baggy clothes and white sneakers touched her sexually while she was walking alone between White Row and Ring Road on Friday, April 12 just after midnight.

She said the man was a slim Inuk, about 25 years old and five foot three inches tall. He had acne scars on his face and was possibly wearing a hooded sweatshirt.

RCMP Sgt. Mike Jeffrey said the alleged assault took place in a secluded area that isn't visible from houses.

Jeffrey said only one other sexual assault between strangers took place in the past year.

"It's a rare concern," he said. "It's still under investigation. But we decided to put it (the press release) out just in case the complaint is founded and someone else is attacked."

He said people should always take safety precautions by taking taxis late at night instead of walking alone and avoiding secluded areas. "And let people know where you're going," he added.

Anyone with information about the incident, can contact the RCMP detachment in Iqaluit.