Police are investigating after a woman was sexually assaulted Tuesday night at the Burnaby campus of Simon Fraser University.
The assault occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. as the female student walked from her classroom in the Technology and Science Complex toward a parking lot.
As she walked to her vehicle, the victim heard a noise behind her and was grabbed by the suspect, police said. The male held the victim and sexually assaulted her, before running away after hearing voices from passersby.
Police said the victim was physically unharmed but traumatized by the incident. The school has spoken with the student and are providing her with services.
The suspect has been described as tall with a medium to heavy build and a deep voice. He was wearing a grey, long-sleeved shirt at the time of the attack. Police have not provided an estimate of his age.
They said they don't believe the attack on campus is connected to any other crimes in the area, but with such a vague description it's difficult to be sure.
"We want to caution the public when walking at night to stick to well lit areas and stay off your electronic device to increase your situational awareness," Staff Sgt. Major John Buis said in the statement.
"You may also contact SFU Campus Security if you wish to be escorted to your car."
In an urgent bulletin, the university is warning everyone on campus to be vigilant. SFU will be ramping up its security patrols, especially in more secluded areas.
"I think it's horrible," a staff member told CTV News on Thursday.
"I mean, students need to feel safe, they need to be able to walk to their cars, they need a safe place to go home. I think it's terrible. I have a lot of students with late classes."
Some students said they still felt safe, but others said they'd consider having someone walk them to their car and will put effort into monitoring their surroundings when walking alone.
Mounties are asking the public to help identify the suspect, and urge anyone with more information to contact them at 604-294-7922 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
With files from CTV Vancouver's Penny Daflos and Scott Roberts
