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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a man involved in an assault on a 16-year-old girl near Sir John Franklin School early Sunday morning.

The victim was walking home from a friend's place near the school at approximately 6:30 a.m. when she was grabbed from behind by an unknown male. After a struggle, the victim was able to get away by fleeing on foot and returned home safely, states an RCMP new release issued Monday.

The suspect is described as approximately 40 years old, 5'8" tall with a dark complexion and wearing a blue jacket with a hood and blue jeans at the time of the attack.

"Because it happened on a weekend and it's different than if school's in session, then of course, we would be monitoring that, but on the weekends it's very difficult," said Metro Huculak, superintendent for Yellowknife Education District No. 1, referring to the two-week long March break that began this week.

"Because of this, probably schools will address it again with the kids, but we always talk to kids about being safe and watching for strangers and things like that. So that's something that's always discussed in the schools.

"It's concerning that there would be something like that, because I walk every morning at 6 a.m. It's unfortunate this happened."

Because of the early hour of the attack, with the sun not fully up, the victim was unable to give a more definitive description of her attacker, said Const. Amanda McGillvray.

"That's why we're asking for the public's assistance just in case anyone knows anything about the incident or anyone who maybe saw something. I know it was early, but you just never know," said McGillvray, who expressed frustration that such an attack could happen.

"I don't think it matters what time of day it is. I think everyone should be able to feel safe to walk the streets of their own community at any time day or night," McGillvray said.

Anybody who witnessed or has any information about the attack is asked to contact the Yellowknife RCMP or call Crime Stoppers. The victim did not suffer any injuries during the incident.

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