The West Shore RCMP is investigating a report of a man who was observed with his pants lowered and allegedly "engaging in an indecent act" on the Galloping Goose Trail on May 11.
He was seen in the middle of the trail near Happy Valley Road and Lomalina Drive in Colwood at around 7:30 p.m. Several officers conducted patrols in the area, but were unable to locate the suspect, according to a news release from the RCMP.
The man is described as white, between the ages of 16 and 30, about 5'10", with a slim build and short, black hair. He was wearing black pants and a black raincoat with teal, blue and white vertical stripes.
"We are very fortunate here on the West Shore to have such an extensive trail system used by so many residents every day. Although these incidents are rare, they are unacceptable and will be fully investigated by the police. We are asking residents to call West Shore RCMP to report any suspicious occurrence as soon as possible so efforts can be made to identify the individual involved," said Cpl. Chris Joy, the officer in charge of the West Shore RCMP Bike Unit, in the release.
The bike unit will continue its patrols of the West Shore trail systems and work in collaboration with the Special Victims Unit to investigate any reports of a similar nature.
To stay safe while using local parks, the RCMP advises to always let someone know where you are going and your expected return, to travel with a friend,
to carry a cellphone, to stick to main routes and "trust your instincts."
