Hamilton police search for suspect after assault on Westdale trail

Hamilton police are asking the public for help identifying a suspect after a woman was assaulted on a trail near Cootes Paradise Thursday afternoon.

Police said in a release the female victim was walking on Caleb's Walk - which cuts through a heavily-wooded area near Dalewood Crescent and Oak Knoll Drive in Westdale - just before 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 30 when an unknown man assaulted her.

He was last seen running west along the trail, the release said.

Police would not provide any further information about the nature of the assault.

The suspect is described as between 25 and 30 years old, with a semi-muscular build, tanned skin, and a black ponytail at the top of his head with shaved hair on the sides. He wore a white T-shirt and carried a black backpack.

Police are asking residents in the area to check their home video surveillance.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Const. Jason Henry at 905-546-3816 or the criminal investigation branch at 905-961-1876.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.

Sebastian Bron is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: sbron@thespec.com