PORT ALBERNI — A 17-year-old Port Alberni youth has been charged in Tuesday’s brutal sexual assault case, Port Alberni RCMP said.
The accused, who cannot be named due to his age, has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon and choking.
“There is nothing suggesting other people were involved [in the sexual assault],” said Port Alberni RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Jen Allan.
There was no indication the accused and the victim were in a relationship, Allan said.
The accused will remain in custody until he makes his first appearance in Port Alberni court on June 6.
The male teen was arrested without incident on Wednesday night, within 24 hours of the incident. Allan said the arrest came following tips from the community and a significant amount of work by investigators.
Meanwhile, the 16-year-old female victim remains in serious condition at Victoria General Hospital. The Port Alberni resident has been in hospital since she called 911 and reported the sexual assault Tuesday night in Rogers Creek Park.
Allan said Alberni Valley residents should be aware that despite the arrest, the investigation continues.
“We want to speak to anybody who might have information,” she said. “Making an arrest is not the final piece of an investigation.”
After hearing from the RCMP Wednesday that the victim was an Alberni District Secondary School student, the Alberni Valley School District sent a memo home to parents. It reminds parents and students to be careful before and after school.
“As students, teachers and parents share feelings and concerns about this incident, it is important to consider methods by which students can increase their personal safety,” the memo said.
Anyone with information about the assault is asked to call the Port Alberni RCMP Detachment at 250-723-2424 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
