Police in Jasper are urgently seeking information from the public following a disturbing sexual assault that occurred in a woman's home in the early hours of New Year's Day. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) released details on Friday, January 3, 2026, hoping a piece of evidence left behind—a distinctive ball cap—will help identify the suspect.
Details of the Assault
According to the RCMP news release, the incident took place between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m. on January 1, 2026. The victim reported being assaulted by a man she did not know inside her residence. Prior to the attack, the woman had been out with friends in Jasper's entertainment district, specifically near the intersection of Miette Avenue and Patricia Street, around 2:30 a.m.
She made a stop at a Circle K convenience store before proceeding to her home, located in the area of Geikie Street and Pyramid Lake Road. Investigators believe the suspect may have followed the woman and her group from the entertainment district to her residence.
Suspect Description and Key Evidence
The victim described her attacker as a man with an olive complexion, possibly of Hispanic descent, approximately five-foot-six in height. He has black hair and facial hair and was last seen wearing a grey sweater.
The most crucial piece of evidence is a Vancouver Whitecaps ball cap that the suspect was wearing. The hat fell off in the victim's room during the altercation before the man fled the scene on foot. Police are hopeful this item will lead to a breakthrough in the case.
Appeal for Public Assistance
Jasper RCMP are calling on anyone with information to come forward. They are particularly interested in video surveillance footage from several key locations and timeframes:
- Footage of Miette Avenue and Patricia Street between 2:30 and 3:30 a.m. on January 1.
- Footage of Geikie Street between Larch Avenue and Pyramid Lake Road between 3:30 and 5:30 a.m. on the same day.
Authorities have also issued a request for the public and media to respect the victim's privacy by not sharing any identifying details about her. The RCMP stated that a publication ban will be sought once charges are laid in the case.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Jasper RCMP or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
