The Hamilton Police Service is seeking the assistance of the public with identifying a suspect involved in a sexual offence.

On Thursday, August 16, 2018, at approximately 7:00 p.m., an adult female was walking westbound along the Hamilton Rail Trail in the area of Stroud Road in Hamilton. She observed a male riding his skateboard eastbound towards her. The suspect passed the woman, turned around and as he rode towards her a second time he reached out and grabbed the victim, sexually assaulting her. The suspect quickly fled the area on his skateboard along the trail, turning southbound onto Stroud Road.

The suspect is described as, male black, 16-19 years-of-age, 5'8”-5'10”, slim build, some facial hair on his chin, short “afro-type” hair with a flat top, red sweater and black pants. He was riding a skateboard while carrying a backpack.

The Hamilton Police Service continues to investigate this incident and is asking anyone with information to contact Detective Carolyne Rashford of the Sexual Assault Unit at 905-546 4614. Investigators ask anyone with information, who wish to remain anonymous, to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Police have released a composite drawing of the involved suspect (See attached).

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com

There is no guaranteed way to prevent a sexual assault. Sharing the details of this assault is intended to provide the community information, and people are encouraged to trust their instincts. For confidential support, please call the Sexual Assault Centre's 24-hour support line at (905)525-4162; connect at www.sacha.ca, the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre at www.hhsc.ca/sadv or the Centre de santé communautaire www.cschn.ca