VANCOUVER — Vancouver police are warning the public after a sexual assault in east Vancouver that bears similarities to a similar incident last month.
According to a news release, a woman was assaulted by a man in a white medical mask Wednesday night after getting off the SkyTrain at Nanaimo station. As she walked near St. Lawrence Street around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, the woman was grabbed from behind and groped before the masked man fled the scene.
The suspect is described as an Asian man between 20 and 30 years old, 5-foot-8, with a slim build and short, dark hair.
Investigators from the VPD sex crimes unit believe the attacker may be the same man who assaulted a woman getting off a bus near Victoria Drive and East 64th Avenue on Oct. 29. The attacker in that incident was also wearing a medical mask and was described similarly.
“Although we have not confirmed the link between the two incidents, we want the public to be aware that similarities exist and one man could be responsible for both attacks,” said VPD Const. Jason Doucette.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we are sharing this information, and asking people to remain vigilant, particularly after leaving transit in east Vancouver. All suspicious behaviour should be reported to 911 immediately.”
Anyone with information about either assault is asked to contact sex crime investigators at 604-717-0604 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.