Mounties say there have been three more sex assaults at the UBC campus in Vancouver, and investigators believe the same man is responsible for all of the attacks.
At a press conference Tuesday, RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Peter Thiessen said two tips lines have been established in an effort to find the suspect, and police received 30 to 40 tips this past weekend alone.
“This person is targeting lone females,” Thiessen told reporters. “These seem to be crimes of opportunity, with the suspect targeting women in somewhat secluded areas.”
There have now been six attacks on young women on school grounds. The attacks may date back to April, with incidents in May, then September and three in October.
The latest attack happened Sunday night when a female victim was walking alone shortly before 1:30 a.m. and was grabbed from behind after seeing “a shadow” following her. Thiessen said the victim, who is very shaken, is still being interviewed.
“It’s a slow process to interact with them, to talk about things they don’t want to recount,” he said.
Police have not said whether they believe the attacker is a student, but Thiessen said the possibility isn’t being ruled out.
Multiple teams have been brought in to aid the investigation, including the RCMP bike patrol, dog squad, forensic artists, as well as criminal and geographic profilers.
The university also announced it was bringing in additional security to campus residences – so that at least one security guard would be posted at each housing unit after dark. School officials said it was also beefing up its counseling services and support to victims.
“We want these attacks stopped. We want these solved,” said Louise Cowin, vice-president of students on campus.
"This is a stressful time for many people on our campus and in this area of the city. This latest news will add to the anxiety. That fear is understandable but it is also critical to act and act decisively."
Women were also urged to walk in pairs at night, and never walk alone. The suggestion triggered criticism that UBC and RCMP were shifting blame onto the female victims.
An attack on Oct. 19 marked an escalation in violence and prompted the RCMP Major Crimes Unit to take over the investigation. In that case, the young victim had her stockings ripped and was punched in the face before she was able to get away from her assailant.
The suspect in all of the cases is described as a tall, thin Caucasian man with a tan or olive skin tone. He was wearing jeans and a black hooded sweatshirt. It’s believed he is in his mid 20s to early 30s.
Anyone with information about the assaults is asked to call police at 604-224-1322 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
