On Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, between 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. the female complainant was leaving a business in the area of 114 Avenue and 135 Street when an unknown male approached her and demanded to see the contents of her bag. When she refused, the male reportedly yelled racial slurs at her, as a Black woman, while she walked away. The man continued to follow the woman and yell slurs, despite her repeated requests to be left alone. Moments later, the man approached another male nearby who was on a bicycle and obtained a can of bear spray. The man then approached the woman again and sprayed her in the face. Both males then reportedly separated and fled the area, one heading north on foot towards 114 Avenue and the other cycling east on 114 Avenue.
EMS was contacted and staff at a nearby store provided treatment for the woman’s non-life-threatening injuries. West Branch patrol officers then transported the woman home and initiated the investigation. The EPS Crime and Trauma-Informed Support Services (CTSS) have been providing support to the complainant since the assault occurred.
EPS Hate Crimes and Violent Extremism Unit (HCVEU) is now investigating this incident and are releasing the photos of the suspects below in hopes that anyone who recognizes the men or witnessed the assault will come forward.
The suspect who approached the woman is described as an Indigenous man in his 30s with an average build and average height who was wearing all black clothing and black ankle high winter boots. The man riding the bicycle is described as Indigenous and was reportedly wearing a black jacket and a red hat. His bicycle was described as BMX style and black in colour.
Anyone who witnessed the assault or has information about the suspects is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.