‘Unknown substance’ squirted on several women at West Edmonton Mall, EPS searching for victims

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating after people visiting West Edmonton Mall were sprayed with an unknown substance.

Police are seeking to identify additional victims as they investigate an incident they classified as a sexual assault at West Edmonton Mall on Nov. 20.

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A news release said a woman was riding an escalator when a man approached her from behind and intentionally squirted “an unknown substance resembling semen onto her back and buttocks.”

Police have learned that the man followed and approached about seven women that day in a similar way between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. without their knowledge.

Investigators believe the man was targeting shorter women in their early 20s with dark hair who were walking alone in the mall.

The man is described as white and in his 20s, standing about six-foot-four with a medium build. He was wearing a red toque, a red plaid jacket and glasses at the time of the assault.

Police confirmed they have a person of interest, but no charges have been laid at this time.

“Our investigation suggests this suspect has likely done this before and we believe there may be other women who were not aware of the assault at the time and only realized after noticing their clothing was soiled,” said Edmonton Cst. Bryn Petch. “If you’ve had a similar experience while shopping, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone who maybe have been approached or targeted in a similar way on Nov. 20 or any other day, is asked to contact Edmonton police at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.

“This behaviour is unacceptable. Whether a substance is real or an imitation does not change the seriousness of what occurred,” said Staff Sgt. Christa Laforce with the sexual assault section. “The context of these incidents is concerning, and acts intended to sexually violate, humiliate, or degrade another person will be treated as sexual assault. We want the public to understand that this behaviour is taken very seriously, and victims are encouraged to come forward.”

Police say the substance is currently undergoing testing.