Series of sexual assaults believed to be linked: Surrey RCMP

SURREY (NEWS 1130) – Mounties believe a number of recent sexual assaults in Surrey were likely committed by the same man.

The Surrey RCMP says investigators received three reports of sexual assaults between April 24th and May 21st.

The incidents are said to have taken place in the Newton area, and involved groping.

“[Investigators] are linking those files due to their geographic location and the identification of a suspect vehicle,” explains Cpl. Elenore Surko.

The first assault happened around 1:00 a.m. on April 24 when a woman claims she was grabbed by the arm and groped by a man who was passing her in the area of 84th Avenue and King George Boulevard. The woman fought back and the suspect fled.

The second attack, similar in nature, reportedly took place just after 5:15 a.m. almost a month later, on May 20. Mounties say a woman was walking in the area of 144 Street and 76 Avenue when she was grabbed from behind and groped by a man walking past her. She was able to fight him off.

The third reported assault is believed to have happened a day later, again in the morning hours around 4:45. The victim was walking on 72nd Avenue at 134th Street when she too was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted. The woman was able to fight the attacker off.

Investigators have already issued a composite sketch of the suspect, but are now releasing an additional one as well as images of the suspect vehicle. The car is described as a grey or brown 1998-2002 Honda Accord with a sun roof and tinted rear windows.

“We’re also releasing to the public an additional composite sketch of the suspect,” Sturko adds.

The South Asian man is described as being about 5’10” tall with a medium build and dark hair. He may or may not have had facial hair.

“Based on a review of the evidence that’s available to our investigative team, they are linking these investigations at this time,” Sturko says. “They’re also going to be looking at five other investigations right now to determine if there’s also links to those.”

She says there are similarities in the descriptions. “However, what they are basing this link on is the geographical location and the identification of a suspect vehicle associated to all three of these incidents.”

The five other incidents are said to have taken place between March 15 and 24.

It’s unclear what may have pushed the suspect to carry out the alleged assaults.

“But it is that sometimes when there are a series of incidents such as this it can occur after a person has gone through a personal crisis,” she explains. “We say to the person that is responsible if this is the case for you, we’re encouraging you to come forward and speak with us.”

If you have any information about these incidents, you’re asked to contact the Surrey RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

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