North Van RCMP issue warning after multiple sexual assaults

North Vancouver RCMP is warning the public after three sex assaults were reported in the Lower Lonsdale area last month and are seeking public assistance to identity the suspect(s).

On September 9, 2024, at approximately 9:00 p.m., a man riding an electric bicycle in the 300 block of East Keith Road groped a woman while she was walking. The suspect, who was last seen riding westbound, was chased by two bystanders. Despite extensive efforts to identify the two witnesses, investigators have yet to speak to the them—a man and woman—and are hoping they will come forward and help further the investigation.

The suspect in this incident is described as a Caucasian man, 5 feet and 11 inches tall, muscular build wearing baggy shorts and a baggy peach-coloured tank top.

On September 19 just before 2:00 p.m., police received a report of a sexual assault that occurred on the Spirit Trail south of the 600 block of East First Street. The victim was walking when a suspect riding an electric bicycle groped her from behind. He was last seen riding westbound on the trail.

Investigators conducted an extensive neighbourhood canvass and obtained CCTV video of the suspect. Police are releasing the video in hopes the suspect will be identified.

On September 23 at 8:45 p.m., a woman running southbound on the west side of the 700 block of Chesterfield Avenue was groped from behind by a suspect who was walking behind her. The suspect was last seen running eastbound toward Victoria Park. The suspect in this incident was described as a South Asian male in his 30s, 6 feet tall, athletic build with short dark hair. He was wearing a dark coloured sleeveless shirt, dark shorts and over-ear headphones.

Investigators are working diligently on all three cases, said Constable Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for the North Vancouver RCMP. Although there appear to be similarities in each incident, investigators are not ruling out that there might be three different suspects. Over the last month, extensive efforts have been made by Serious Crime investigators to identify any suspects. We are now at the point where we’re seeking public assistance to help further these investigations.

Anyone with information about any of these incidents is asked to call North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file #2024-19636. Those who wish to provide information but want to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).