SURREY (NEWS1130) - A woman in her early 40s was sexually assaulted in Surrey Friday night after leaving her job at Central City Mall.
RCMP say she was attacked in the parking lot around 5:30 p.m. after opening her car. Investigators say the suspect grabbed her from behind and put his hand over her mouth before forcing her into her vehicle.
The woman screamed as the suspect tried to remove her clothes. He then ran off and the woman contacted police.
"The nature of [the attack], the randomness of this, we need to make an effort to urge the public to be extra vigilant out there," said Cpl. Drew Grainger with Surrey RCMP.
"In an environment such as a mall, if you are leaving your place of work, utilize the security services that are available at that mall. If they're going to their car, have their keys in their hand. That can activate the alarm on the car, or even use those keys as a potential weapon."
The woman did not require medical attention following the attack.
Investigators are now looking for a white man in his 20s, about five feet eight inches with an average build. The victim did not notice any scars or tattoos. She said he was wearing blue jeans, runners, and a green hoodie with a "Canada" logo on the back.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.