Fear that a young woman alleged to have been attacked near Stettler on Tuesday may be in “grave danger” has prompted police to take the unusual step of releasing a composite drawing of her.
RCMP are still looking for both the male suspect and the victim after a witness reported seeing a young woman being violently assaulted outside of a vehicle that had stopped alongside Hwy 601, south of Buffalo Lake, at about noon on Tuesday, said Cpl. Terry Best of the Stettler detachment.
Investigators are following up reports that the alleged attacker fired a handgun at the witness before driving away with the female victim in his car, Best said on Wednesday.
The witness was not injured, but told police the female victim suffered injuries to her face and head during the attack.
Police hope that people who see the drawing will recognize the victim and be able to provide information that may help locate her and the man believed to have assaulted her, said Best.
The suspect is described as a male in his late 20s with a light complexion, light brown hair and a goatee, wearing a black hoodie with white markings. He was driving a newer model Dodge Challenger or similar vehicle with a dark red paint scheme.
The female victim is described as a petite blond with blue eyes, estimated to be in her late teens or early 20s.
Anyone who can provide information related to the attack is asked to contact the Stettler RCMP at403-742-3381 or their local police department. To remain anonymous, please visit www.tipsubmit.com or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-822-8477.