On Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, police responded to a reported sexual assault at West Edmonton Mall. It was reported to police that a woman was riding an escalator, when a man approached her from behind and intentionally squirted an unknown substance resembling semen onto her back and buttocks.
Through investigation, police have learned the male followed and approached approximately seven women that day in a similar way, between the hours of 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., without their knowledge. Investigators believe the male was targeting shorter women in their early twenties with dark hair who were walking alone in the mall.
“Our investigation suggests this suspect has likely done this before and we believe there may be other women who were not aware of the assault at the time and only realized after noticing their clothing was soiled,” says Cst. Bryn Petch with EPS West Division. “If you’ve had a similar experience while shopping, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible.”
The suspect is described as white male in his 20s who is approximately 6’4” tall with a medium build. He was wearing a red toque, a red plaid jacket and glasses at the time of the incident.
“This behaviour is unacceptable. Whether a substance is real or an imitation does not change the seriousness of what occurred,” says Staff Sergeant Christa Laforce with the EPS Sexual Assault Section. “The context of these incidents is concerning, and acts intended to sexually violate, humiliate, or degrade another person will be treated as sexual assault. We want the public to understand that this behaviour is taken very seriously, and victims are encouraged to come forward.”
Police are asking anyone who may have been approached or targeted in a similar way on Nov. 20, 2025, or on another date, to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.