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Lethbridge Regional Police are investigating a sexual assault that occurred at a city motel. A composite sketch of the suspect has been produced and police are asking anyone who recognizes the man to come forward.
On October 25, 2008 a female employee at the Thrift Lodge Motel was working alone in the lobby when a male entered and began making small talk. The man worked his way behind the desk, grabbed the employee by the hand and dragged her to a back room where she was sexually assaulted.
The attacker is not known to the victim and has not yet been identified. He remains at large.
“Female employees being sexually assaulted by a stranger at work is extremely rare in Lethbridge,” said Kristen Harding, with the Lethbridge Regional Police Service.
The only similar incident occurred more than a decade ago in 1994. In that instance a female employee at a city hair salon was sexually assaulted by a man who displayed a weapon. The suspect in that case was subsequently charged and convicted.
Following the Thrift Lodge Motel incident, police contacted other local hotels and motels and encourage the following security measures:
1. Ensure all security cameras are operational.
2. Pay attention to your surroundings.
3. Do not become complacent with unknown people.
4. Do not allow customers to come behind the desk.
5. If alone make sure you have a phone readily available or a cell phone on your person.
6. If you suspect a problem call a co-worker or police.
7. If anything serious should happen call 911, lock the doors and wait for police to arrive.
The suspect in this case is described as a white or possibly Hispanic male with a medium to darker complexion, clean-shaven, about five-feet-10 inches tall, slender in build, with short, dark brown, straight hair. He was wearing a black front-zippered hoodie or sweater and dark jeans (possibly with cargo pockets). He may have had a slight accent.
A composite sketch is attached for release.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information about this sexual assault is asked to contact Lethbridge Regional Police at 403-327-2210 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Media inquiries may be directed to
Kristen Harding
Lethbridge Regional Police Service
403-330-5030
