Editor's note: The following was sent by the Prince Rupert RCMP in relation to calls from residents and media outlets.
Today (August 22, 2011) the Prince Rupert RCMP is sorting fact from rumour regarding an alleged assault that may have occurred at the Butze Rapids Hiking Trail over the weekend.
“There have been no such incidents reported to the Prince Rupert RCMP regarding an assault taking place at Butze Rapids over the past few days, weeks or months.” states Cst. Laura Lechky of the Prince Rupert RCMP.
“If something did occur, we are asking for the people involved to please contact the detachment as soon as possible, as it is important to warn others if something has occurred and we are not aware of it.”
Some confusion may be stemming from two separate press releases that were submitted to media on August 10, 2011 regarding an assault on a female on 11th Avenue east and also a hit and run incident at Butze Rapids.
One of the press releases was regarding an assault that occurred on August 9, 2011, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. A female was walking West bound on 11th Avenue East toward Maverick Mart when she noticed a male following a short distance behind her. The male caught up to the female, pulled her into the bushes and assaulted her. The Prince Rupert RCMP was called a short time later.
The second press release was regarding a hit and run that occurred on the same day at approximately 1:00 p.m. a 28-year-old female was stretching outside her vehicle that was parked at the Butze Rapids pullout off Highway 16 in Prince Rupert. She was struck from behind by a vehicle, which then struck her parked car leaving behind some white paint transfer. The victim flew forward and fell to the ground, and was unable to get a look at the suspect vehicle before it left the pullout. The victim drove herself to the hospital and was treated for her injuries.
If you have any information regarding these investigations or know someone who may have information to further the investigation you are asked to call the Prince Rupert RCMP at 250-627-0700 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.