Vancouver police are investigating an apparent sexual assault that took place in the vicinity of Oak Street and West 48th Avenue Friday night.
Police said the assault occurred at roughly 11 p.m. A woman was attacked from behind by a stranger. She fought him off and he ran away.
Officers searched for the man by helicopter and using a police dog, but were unable to locate the suspect.
The victim was not able to provide a detailed description of her attacker. Police are looking for a man who is 5'8" to 5'10" tall with medium build, and are advising women to be cautious when walking in the area.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Vancouver Police at 604-717-0603.
Friday’s assault took place in roughly the same area as a pair of violent attacks earlier this year.
The first, on Jan. 23, occurred at 11 p.m. near West 48th Avenue and Manitoba Street. A 23-year-old woman was attacked from behind, knocked down, and hit in the face.
The second attack took place on Feb. 4, when a 67-year-old woman noticed a man hiding behind a tree. He jumped out and punched her in the face, before running away.
Police told CTV News it’s too soon to say whether Friday’s assault was related to the other two. Neither of the previous attacks are believed to have been sexual in nature.
Regardless of whether they’re related or not, the incidents have residents of the area on edge.
“It’s kind of a little unnerving,” said Deborah Taylor, who owns a figure skating shop one block away from the scene of the latest assault. “You don’t really think about it, you know, when you’re in an area you consider safe, but we certainly will.”
With files from CTV Vancouver’s Nafeesa Karim
