Police investigating sexual assault

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP is investigating a sexual assault that took place in downtown Vernon Thursday night.

On Thursday, January 12, 2023 around 11 p.m., frontline officers from the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP responded to assist a woman who had been sexually assaulted.

The preliminary investigation has determined that the incident took place around 6 or 7 p.m. when the victim, who was engaging in sex work, was approached by a Caucasian man in his 20's, driving a newer, large, white SUV near the 3300-block of 31st Avenue. Once inside the vehicle, the victim was sexually assaulted and later dropped off in the Turtle Mountain area. Investigators have reason to believe there may have been additional people inside the vehicle who were possibly involved. The victim made her way downtown where she was found by City of Vernon RCMP Volunteers who called police.

We are releasing this information to the public so vulnerable persons, especially those involved in a high-risk lifestyle, are aware for their own safety when engaging with individuals they do not know, states Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP’s Special Victims Unit is assisting with the investigation, and we are collaborating with our partner agencies to proactively get this message out.

Anyone who has information that may assist with the investigation, is asked to please contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at (250) 545-7171 and quote file number 2023-578.