Regina police are investigating a sexual assault that happened early Saturday after a woman got a ride home from a man who picked her up outside a business on Dewdney Avenue.
Police said they got a call about the assault at around 2:40 a.m. Officers were told the woman left a business in the 2200 block of Dewdney Avenue, as police said in a release, “approached the line of taxis and Ubers parked outside on the street.
“The victim got in a vehicle and gave her destination address,” the police said. “After a few minutes, the driver of the vehicle began to travel in a different direction from the address and continued to travel to the edge of the city.
“It’s believed the suspect driver stopped the vehicle near Pinkie Road. The suspect sexually assaulted the victim. He then drove her to the address she originally provided and dropped her off.”
Police urged people who take taxis or ride-sharing services to:
- Ensure the vehicle has a visible meter that is tracking the cost of the ride;
- Ask the driver for credentials or identification associated with their business;
- When possible, “book” the ride on an app or by phone, and confirm your name with the driver before getting in the vehicle;
- Make a safety plan if you are travelling alone (such as notifying someone of your expected arrival); and
- Always report suspicious vehicles or drivers to police.
Police are asking for the public’s help with the investigation. Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.