Police in Lethbridge are warning people to be vigilant about their safety after a young woman was savagely attacked and left for dead while she was walking to work.
The 25-year-old woman was on her way to work at the Firestone pub on Friday morning between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. when she was attacked.
Authorities who found her in a back alley say she suffered life threatening injuries.
She was taken to Foothills Hospital in Calgary where she remains in critical but stable condition.
Police are still investigating and aren’t sure whether the attack was random or targeted.
“It’s one of those ones, in my career, I haven’t seen too many of these and it certainly ranks up to the top of the list as once of the most disturbing things I’ve seen,” said Lethbridge Police Staff Sergeant Scott Woods.
The woman had been recently married and was working extra shifts at the restaurant to help pay for the wedding.
The attack has shaken staff at Firestone and management says they are doing all they can to support their employees.
Investigators are looking for suspects in the case and canvassed the area on Friday for tips.
Police ask anyone who may have seen her or any other suspicious people to contact them with information by calling 403-328-4444.
“This young woman is described as 5'3, 100 pounds,” Woods said. “[She’s a] petite woman. Walking eastbound on 6 Avenue between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. so if you saw anything, we want to know about it so contact us.”
Police are also reminding everyone that the incident highlights the importance of public safety.
They ask residents to always be alert and aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, avoid dark, vacant or isolated areas, plan your route in advance and don’t walk or run alone if possible.
They also advise having a noise making device on hand when you’re outside and not be afraid to use it.
(With files from CTV Lethbridge's Kaella Carr)
