Tips from the public and surveillance footage have helped police arrest a suspect in the weekend abduction and assault of a 17-year-old in Maple Ridge.  

The suspect, a man in his 20’s, was arrested Tuesday night in Vancouver near West Pender and Richards Street and is currently in Ridge Meadows RCMP custody.  

After the initial release about the attack, several other women contacted police reporting similar situations where a man asked them for assistance. The arrest came soon after surveillance photos were released and tips from the public came in.

“We did have a number of other women come forward with very valuable information about his activities Saturday evening prior to the abduction of our 17-year-old victim,” said Insp. David Fleugel with Ridge Meadows RCMP.

Police say the suspect may be linked to unsolved crimes as well.  

“He has a fairly significant criminal record. Our investigators are attempting to make links to armed robberies throughout the area,” said Fleugel.

Family members of the victim told police they are relieved an arrest for the violent attack was made.

The teenaged girl was standing outside Westgate Centre at around 8 p.m. Saturday when a man asked for help getting his car started, according to police.

When she agreed, he allegedly pulled out a gun and forced her to drive him to a secluded location in her own car, where he physically attacked and beat her.

The teen managed to escape and the suspect drove off in the victim’s car.

The girl sustained non-life threatening injuries in the attack, and was taken to hospital.

Officers who checked in with her family Tuesday night said she’s doing well and has been released from hospital, but time is needed for recovery.

No charges have yet been laid.