Investigators with the Cochrane RCMP are seeking help from the public to identify a man who sexually assaulted a youth in the Bragg Creek area in the spring/summer of 1975.
"The reported incident took place during the day in the proximity of Burntall Drive." an RCMP press release stated. "The youth was approached by a male on a dark coloured motorcycle with knobby tires and invited to go for a short drive. The male was described as Caucasian, approximately 20 years of age, [with] longer brown curly hair and spoke English with no accent."
According to the release, at the time of the offence the victim was a youth. The male suspect is not known to the victim.
"Investigators have limited information at this time and are looking to speak with anyone who may have information," the release said. "Police are specifically seeking witnesses to the reported incident or a similar incident they might have witnessed or heard of."
Primary investigator Cst. Amelie Morin said the case is not one that went cold years ago, it was just recently reported to the RCMP.
"The victim came out with the allegation recently, and we have been looking into it," she said. "Because of how long it has been since the incident happened, we decided to reach out to the community to see if we can further the investigation this way."
Morin said it is not out of the ordinary for victims to come forward after a significant amount of time has passed.
"It takes a lot of strength to do so," she said. "It adds some challenges. We are staying positive. People usually come up with some pretty good tips. We are hoping for the best."
Information about the identity of the male is also sought and people are asked to contact the Cochrane RCMP detachment at 403-851-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) with any tips.
