A man is in custody facing a charge of sexual assault after an incident reported by a woman on a B.C. Transit bus.
Victoria police were called to a bus at the intersection of Douglas Street and Burnside Road East about 1 p.m. Monday after a passenger said she had been sexually assaulted. Officers arrived and found the suspect, who was still on the bus, and placed him under arrest.
The woman, who was not physically injured, said she did not know the man. She said that when she was assaulted, she told the man to stop and then informed the driver about what happened.
The driver stopped the bus, called police and stayed with the woman. Other passengers also called police and remained at the scene.
The suspect is being held pending a court appearance.
B.C. Transit said in a statement that it is supporting the police investigation. “Our top priority is safety and we’ve been working hard to improve safety on board our buses for customers and drivers,” the statement said.
“We take any reports about inappropriate and illegal activity, including sexual harassment and assault, very seriously.
“We work with the police closely to follow the legal process for the complaints.”
Police would like to hear from anyone who has information. Call 250-995-7654 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
— Times Colonist
