Cochrane RCMP investigators have turned to the public to help identify a man who sexually assaulted a youth in the Bragg Creek area in the spring/summer of 1975.

Cst. Amelie Morin, of the Cochrane RCMP's general investigation section, says the victim has just recently stepped forward to report the incident. 

"The victim had decided to keep this incident to themself for quite some time and has decided it was time to come forward with those allegations," says Cst. Morin, "so we're supporting it the best we can and trying to investigate this incident that occurred in 1975, and we decided to turn to the public to see if we can get more information."

The reported incident took place during the day in the proximity of Burntall Drive. The youth was approached by a male on a dark-coloured motorcycle with knobby tires and invited to go for a short drive. The male is described as caucasian, approximately 20 years of age at the time with longer brown curly hair, and spoke English with no accent.

The male suspect was not known to the victim.

"The details are quite minimal at this time and we're still working with the victim to get the full picture of what happened," she says.

"We're not too sure if that person belongs to the Bragg Creek area, or was just driving past. It's something that we're hopeful the investigation will reveal. but we're looking at the small community of Bragg Creek that is a pretty tight-knitted community and a lot of people have been there for quite some time, so we're hoping that they will recognize some part of this investigation and reach out to us."

Police are specifically seeking witnesses to the reported incident or a similar incident they might have witnessed or heard of.

Information about the identity of the male is also sought and people are asked to contact the Cochrane RCMP detachment at 403-851-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477)  with any tips.