Gatineau police say a new lead in the Valerie Leblanc murder case means they'll start conducting a major information-collecting operation in the city's Mont-Bleu district.

Police say they are looking for a key witness who walks with a limp and is the owner of a black bicycle with a red seat. A sketch of the seat was released at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.

"We expect that by going door-to-door and releasing new information, we will find a resident who recognizes the bicycle, remembers certain details or makes a link to someone they noticed. We encourage the public to contact us with any information that might prove relevant, however insignificant it may seem. Never take for granted that the police already has the information you are thinking about," said Sgt. Jean-Paul Le May.

Police say the new information surfaced after receiving more than 1,000 tips.

Valerie Leblanc's murder investigation started late August after her body was found near the Gabrielle-Roy Pavillion at CEGEP de l'Outaouais.

Police want to remind the public the suspect is described as:

  • white
  • French-speaking
  • 20-35 years old
  • 5'10" to 6' tall
  • 200 lbs or more
  • dark hair
  • large hands
  • thick neck
  • chubby face with high cheekbones
  • pointy nose and chin
  • walks with a limp

The bicycle is described as a mountain bike with a straight handlebars. Police say the bike appears to be a lower end model and that it had mountain or hybrid tires.

Anyone with information should call investigators at 819-243-2346, extension 6677.