Given the seriousness of this incident as it was initially reported, the Saskatoon Police alerted the public and an investigator was assigned to follow up with the victim.

However, at that time, the victim notified Police that she no longer wanted Police to pursue an investigation and according to procedure, the woman signed a formal discontinuation. At this time, it is not believed that there is a risk to public safety.

The Saskatoon Police Service takes sexual assault reports very seriously and notifies the public as soon as possible in an effort to raise awareness but not to generate fear.

While the investigation has been discontinued, it can be reopened at any time.

Release 2018-0839

November 19, 2018 11:27 AM

Saskatoon Police are investigating a report of a sexual assault that occurred Sunday morning. A 20-year-old woman reported to Police that on November 18, 2018, between 5 and 6:15 a.m., she was walking along 20th Street West when she was pulled into a white van with two male occupants, a driver and passenger. The passenger was in the back of the van and attempted to sexually assault the victim. During the attempted assault, the victim struck the suspect multiple times to stop the assault from progressing. The van then stopped in the 1100 block of 20th Street West and she exited and fled to her apartment nearby where she called Police. The descriptions of both men are limited, but the driver of the van is believed to have a beard, approximately 1-2 inches down from his chin. The vehicle is described as an older-style white van with a sliding panel door, and no rear windows. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Police at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

(Occurrence Number: 18-122279)