ON Tuesday, August 6, shortly after midnight, a 42-year-old female was assaulted in her backyard in the Clearbrook area, north of Highway 1, in Abbotsford. 

The investigation is currently being handled by Abbotsford Police’s Major Crime detectives and supported by the Patrol Branch.

At the time of the attack, the victim was in her backyard alone on her deck when she was grabbed from behind.  The victim received minor injuries during the attack and has been released from hospital.  Due to the nature of the attack the victim was unable to describe the attacker in any detail.  At this point the suspect is believed to be an adult male.  Major Crime detectives are actively investigating to obtain a more detailed description.

The investigation is in the early stages and it appears that the attack was sexually motivated. The attacker was not known to the victim.  It is believed that the attack ended when a neighbour returned home.  The attacker fled with the victim’s electronic device.

The Abbotsford Police say they would like to remind the public to practice awareness, even in the safety of their own homes and yards.  At night, keep outside lights on in the front and backyard.  The public is also reminded to report any suspicious persons or activity to police.

The Abbotsford Police Department is appealing to anyone with information about this incident to call them at 604-859-5225, text them at 222973 (abbypd), or report anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or online at Solvecrime.ca.