Police are looking for the public’s assistance in determining the identity of a woman who may have been assaulted in what might have been an attempted abduction just over a week ago.
At 10:50 p.m. on June 24 in the back parking lot of the Bayfield Mall, an individual witnessed an incident that eventually caused them to contact police with their concerns.
Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon told BarrieToday Monday that the report didn’t come from the victim, but rather a “third party.”
“This person saw an interaction at the backlot of the Bayfield Mall, out by the Bowlerama entrance or where the U-Haul office is now. Apparently there was a situation in the parking lot where a female may have been assaulted or there may have been a possible abduction attempt," said Leon.
Leon said there may have been other people in the parking lot who saw something and he is hoping they will contact police to provide more information.
“We’re not only trying to find anyone who was either driving through or parked back there, but we also would like to speak to the woman who may have gone through this,” said Leon. “We are trying to determine if she is OK.”
The case is different from a victim-based complaint and has police trying all options.
“This is not based on a victim’s report and we have to not only find out what happened, but also contact the woman in question,” said Leon. “She is possibly in her mid to late 20’s, early 30’s. Its really hard to say right now.”
The information on the incident came via the online reporting option a few days after June 24 and Leon said he isn’t sure why the delay happened.
“We’re not sure why it took a little while after to be reported. Perhaps they had time to think about what they observed and things just started to not add up,” said Leon. “They may have felt it best to make a report to police, just in case.”
Anyone with information should call police at 705-725-7025 extension 2932 or 2524
