Winnipeg police are investigating three cases of women being groped near Health Sciences Centre.

Police said the three incidents involved three different women between the ages of 21 and 44. 

They all happened Monday between 7:10 a.m. and 8:45 a.m..

Two incidents took place at Jacob Penner Park along Notre Dame Ave one near the corner of McGee St. The other near the corner of Victor St. The third incident took place near the Tecumseh Street Parkade.

Const. Jay Murray said while assaults likely lasted less than a minute, all three victims were traumatized from the experience.

Murray called all three incidents despicable.

No arrests have been made, he said.

Murray said in each case the woman was walking towards the hospital, when a man came from behind. After the assault, Murray said the man ran away.

Police believe the same suspect is responsible for the assaults.

Members from the sex crimes unit is investigating, and police will be going through video surveillance to help identify the suspect. 

The suspect is described as man in his 20s with a thin build, and was wearing an army green hoodie that was pulled up with khaki pants and dark gloves.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 204 986 6245 or Crime Stoppers at 204 786 8477. 

Health Sciences Centre increasing patrols

Health Sciences Centre issued a statement to CTV News Tuesday afternoon, saying it was aware.

“Two of the incidents had also been reported to HSC Security Services; patrols in the areas of the campus surrounding Notre Dame and Emily were increased as a result. HSC Security also reviewed video surveillance footage to see if there was any additional information that might assist police with the investigation,” said Katherine Fox, director of communication for HSC.

Fox said the safety of patients, staff and community is important.

“In addition to 24/7 Security presence and monitoring of the campus, members of HSC’s Security team present to all new staff at New Employee Orientation, and security reminders are distributed to staff with tips for personal safety throughout the year via email and in newsletters.”

Fox also said a safety reminder was also shared via email with all staff Tuesday morning, including tips such as walk together, pay attention to environment, and have keys ready.

The University of Manitoba is also aware of the incidents.

“As a community, we hope the women are doing well. A notification of the incidents, including useful safety precautions, was issued via email to all students and all staff and posted this afternoon on the University of Manitoba news site,” the university said in a statement to CTV News Tuesday.

The university also provided a list of some safety initiatives at the Bannatyne Campus:

  • 24/7 full time Security presence through Security Services.
  • CCTV camera coverage.
  • Recently expanded Safe walk program, available on both the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. Students, staff, and visitors can request a Safe walk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Security Services will accompany an individual from one university location to another university location, to their vehicle or to the bus stop on university property.   Requests for Safe walks can be made by calling 204-474-9312.
  • UMSS offers Rape Aggression Defense Training (RAD).
  • Security Services also offers training in Non Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)