Police identify 16-year-old girl who was assaulted and thrown into the Assiniboine River

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This article was published 10/11/2014 (4333 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg police have identified Rinelle Harper as the victim of a serious attack over the weekend by the Assiniboine River.

While admitting the attack — which ended with the 16-year-old Harper being tossed into the river — is similar to what happened to murder victim Tina Fontaine, police Supt. Danny Smyth would only say officers are seeking any and all information from the public.

“I am appalled at the viciousness of this attack,” Smyth said.

“It’s important that Rinelle is a person. She lives in this community. She has a family.

“It is an unacceptable attack on a youth.”

Smyth said they are only releasing the name after getting permission from the teen’s family.

He said Harper is from God’s Lake Narrows but she is living with family in Winnipeg while she goes to school.

Smyth said the teen was out with friends on Friday night when she became separated from them.

The officer said they believe she was sexually attacked on the river walk near the Midtown Bridge and she “ended up in the frigid waters of the Assiniboine River after the assault.”

Smyth said the teen got out of the water on her own and was found unconscious by a passerby a short time later.

Police say they have now spoken to Harper in hospital where she is expected to recover.

“This could have very easily turned into a homicide if she had not been found when she was,” he said.

Fifteen-year-old Tina Fontaine was found dead in the Red River on Aug. 17, after her body was pulled from the river wrapped in plastic. Fontaine was from Sagkeeng First Nation, and had been in Winnipeg for a month before her disappearance.

Police are asking anyone who knows anyone who was in contact with Harper to call them at 204-986-6508 or CrimeStoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

Kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca