Police have issued a public warning after a woman was sexually assaulted in downtown Vancouver early Wednesday morning.
The 25-year-old victim was waiting at a bus stop on Smithe Street, just half a block from the Granville entertainment district when a man grabbed and violently assaulted her at 3 a.m.
Sgt. Randy Fincham said the attack was fortunately interrupted by two Good Samaritans.
“The woman’s screams for help were heard by two passersby who came to the woman’s aid,” Fincham said. “The man ran north on Granville Street, the woman was taken to hospital to have her injuries attended to.”
The victim was treated for wounds to her face, back and leg.
Police are now searching for a suspect described as a white, 5-10 tall, 25 to 30-year-old man with a medium build. He was wearing dark clothing and possibly blue jeans.
Investigators believe he suffered scratches to the side of his face and nose during the attack.
Anyone with information on the assault is asked to call the Vancouver Police Sex Crimes Unit at 604-717-0602 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
