Police are investigating a sexual assault that occurred on May 6 in Halifax and was reported to police on the evening of May 16.

Investigators with the Sexual Assault Investigation Team of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division spoke to the 23-year-old victim at length yesterday afternoon and learned that sometime between 2:45-3:15 a.m. on May 6, a man driving a taxi in the area of Argyle and Prince Streets picked her up in a black van with a roof light. The man stopped in the area of Walnut and Cedar Streets and when the woman asked how much the fare was, the man said “no charge” and forcibly put his lips on hers and then touched the victim in a sexual manner without her consent. The victim jumped out of the cab and hid until the man left the area.

The suspect is described as possibly a Middle Eastern or a light-complected black man with an accent, 35-40 years of age, approximately 5’8” with a medium build, a bald shiny head, a clean shaven face and dark eyes.

Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact police at 902-490-5016. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or texting a tip – Tip 202 + your message to 274637.

Sexual assault investigations are very complex. As part of our victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to sexualized violence, we work closely with victims to ensure they’re willing to proceed with a police investigation, which includes giving a statement about the incident and providing a description of the suspect if possible. Police must also ensure the victim’s privacy is upheld and well-being is fully considered; sexual assault investigators have been taking these measures since first speaking with the victim, and we’re now in a position to report this incident to the public.

Source: Media Release