Vancouver Police have released pictures of a suspect in a series of sex assaults near the city’s downtown core, and are asking anyone who can identify the man to call police. Since April 27, four women have reported being sexually assaulted while walking during the late evening. Vancouver Police investigators believe the same man is responsible for each assault.
All four incidents occurred after dark in the neighbourhoods surrounding BC Place and Rogers Arena. In each case, the woman targeted was between 25 and 40 years old. On April 27, a woman was walking near Pender and Abbott Street around 9 p.m. when she was approached by a stranger from behind, then groped. Within minutes, a woman was walking near Georgia and Beatty Street when she, too, was groped. Both victims called VPD right away.
Two days later, on April 29, a woman was standing near Georgia and Beatty Street when she was groped by a stranger around 9:15 p.m. A fourth victim was then sexually assaulted near Georgia and Hamilton Street around 11:15 p.m.
Detectives from VPD’s Sex Crimes Unit spent several days canvassing the neighbourhoods for information, and speaking with concierges at apartment buildings in the area. Investigators were able to retrieve images of a man, which VPD are now releasing to the public.
The suspect is a dark-skinned man who is about 5’5” and appears to be in his 30s. He wore glasses and had a moustache at the time of the offences. Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information is asked to contact the VPD Sex Crimes Unit at 604-717-0602.
