Whistler RCMP are once again encouraging people to walk in pairs at night after another attempted sexual assault and a separate incident of a woman possibly being followed.

Investigations into both incidents are ongoing, and it’s unknown if the same suspect is involved in both, said Staff Sgt. Steve LeClair.

On Friday (Jan. 27) at about 2 a.m. a woman was walking on Gondola Way in Creekside when she was pushed from behind by an unknown male. Her jacket came over her face and the man tried to remove her pants, LeClair said.

When an unknown vehicle approached and shone its headlights in the direction of the struggle, the man stopped his assault and fled. The victim, who was walking to a friend’s residence at the time, didn’t report the incident to police until about 1:45 p.m. that day — almost 12 hours later. She was uninjured.

The victim said she believes the suspect is French Canadian and she recalls him saying the word “quiet,” LeClair said.

Police would like to speak to the driver who might have seen two people struggling in the snow on Gondola Way early Friday morning, or anyone else who might have information about the offense. Call Whistler RCMP at 604-932-3044 with any info.

The other incident took place on the Valley Trail near Myrtle Philip Community School last Wednesday (Jan. 25) at about 7:30 p.m. A woman was walking home from work when she noticed what was possibly a silver Subaru that seemed to be following her. She first noticed the vehicle at the corner of Lorimer Road and St. Andrew’s Way, then it pulled into the nearby daycare parking area.

As she continued walking off Lorimer and onto the Valley Trail she saw the vehicle pass by again. As she approached the school, she saw the vehicle parked at the school entrance and a man was standing on the trail. She associated the man with the vehicle, LeClair said.

As she passed the man, he asked for the time. When she replied she saw that he was masturbating, and he made a “lewd comment” to her, LeClair said. She walked quickly away and called police.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian man in his late 30s to early 40s, standing about six feet tall. He was wearing a dark jacket, dark blue jeans and a black toque.

LeClair said there’s a possible connection between the incident and previous similar ones in Whistler. Two other incidents occurred on Jan. 12, with one involving a man masturbating after asking a passing woman for directions.

LeClair reiterated that Whistler is a “very safe place to live.” Still, he said people should use caution when walking at night.

“Travel in pairs when possible, and be cognizant of your surroundings,” he said.

Man assaults girlfriend, friend

A 24-year-old man from Vancouver was in court on Monday (Jan. 30) on assault charges after allegedly punching his girlfriend and a male friend in the face in a Whistler hotel room early Saturday (Jan. 28).

The three were drinking together at a local nightclub and were all intoxicated when the returned to the hotel room where they were staying at about 2 a.m., LeClair said. A dispute began when the suspect accused his girlfriend and friend of having a relationship together. He “violently assaulted” both of them by punching them in the face, causing lacerations and bruises, LeClair said.

The screaming and yelling coming from the room alerted nearby hotel guests, who called the police. The victims fled the hotel and the suspect was found outside and arrested for assault.

The woman, also from Vancouver, and the male victim, from Langley, were treated at the Whistler Health Care Centre, while the suspect was held in custody for court.

Grefner still missing

Local DJ Mike Grefner is still missing more than two weeks after his last confirmed contact with friends on Jan. 17.
However, tips continue to come in to Whistler RCMP and all possible leads are being investigated, LeClair said. Local police have also received input from the B.C. RCMP missing persons division and are following up on suggestions.

Anyone with information is asked to call Whistler RCMP at 604-932-3044.