Police warn public of 'sexually motivated' assault in Abbotsford

The Abbotsford Police Department is warning the public after a local resident was assaulted in her backyard.

The incident took place on August 6, shortly after midnight, in the Clearbrook area, north of Highway 1 in Abbotsford.

According to a police report, the victim was in her backyard, alone on her deck, when she was grabbed from behind.

The woman received minor injuries during the attack and was taken to the hospital, although she’s since been released.

Because the woman was grabbed from behind, she was unable to describe the attacker in any detail. Investigators at this point believe that the alleged assailant was an adult male.

Major Crime Detectives, who have taken over the investigation, are working to obtain a more detailed description.

At this point in time, however, police say “it appears that the attack was sexually motivated.”

“The attacker was not known to the victim,” reads a statement from Abby PD. “It is believed that the attack ended when a neighbour returned home.”

The suspect in question also fled the victim’s electronic device.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call 604-859-5225 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.