Suspect arrested after 4 women sexually assaulted near Vancouver SkyTrain station
Transit police have recommended charges against a 37-year-old man allegedly involved in a disturbing series of sexual assaults in and around a downtown Vancouver SkyTrain station.
Authorities said the assaults all took place on the afternoon of May 13, both inside Pacific Centre Mall and at the neighbouring Granville SkyTrain Station, and that at least one victim was aided by "heroic" bystanders.
The first victim was approached on a mall bench by man who allegedly "touched her hip and attempted to pull her toward him," Metro Vancouver Transit Police said in a news release.
A security guard shouted at the suspect to stop and called police for help.
The suspect then headed into the nearby SkyTrain station, where he allegedly tried to "grab a second woman's pubic area, which she was able to block using her hand," according to the release.
"The suspect continued his behaviour with a third woman, allegedly touching her breast while uttering sexually explicit comments," MVTP wrote.
The final victim was grabbed by the wrist and pulled toward a business, but she screamed for help, drawing the attention of bystanders who helped her break free.
Police managed to locate a suspect with assistance from witnesses and staff from the nearby Hudson's Bay store.
"While these types of offences often don't leave serious physical injury, they can be especially traumatizing to those who experience them," Const. Amanda Steed said in a statement.
"Transit police would like to thank the bystander who assisted the women. We would never ask that anyone … put themselves into harm's way, but these individuals' actions can only be described as heroic."
Authorities are recommending four counts of sexual assault against the suspect, a Surrey resident previously known to law enforcement.
The man, whose name has not been shared publicly, was released from custody on multiple conditions, including that he stay away from SkyTrain property and Pacific Centre Mall.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on July 13.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.