Woman sexually assaulted on Vancouver trail near UBC

Police are out with a warning after another sexual assault on Metro Vancouver trails in a span of days.

On Tuesday, a woman was jogging in Pacific Spirit Park near UBC’s School of Anthropology when police say someone grabbed her breast.

Mounties say they were able to find and arrest a suspect a short time later, noting a charge of sexual assault has since been laid.

The RCMP is crediting the woman’s “outstanding description” of her alleged attacker in identifying a suspect.

The incident has left some locals shocked.

“It’s been a very quiet number of years. I haven’t seen anything or heard anything and I’m always looking when I walk,” said Kathleen, who visits Pacific Spirit almost daily. “I’m just very shocked this happened. It’s a well-used trail with bikers and people walking their dogs. I’m surprised, really surprised.”

She tells CityNews she’s always felt safe using the park’s trails.

“It’s a good, safe trail — it has been for a couple of years now.”

(CityNews Image)

Assault not believed to be connected with other investigations: RCMP

“At this time investigators feel that there is no nexus between this assault and any other ongoing sexual investigations in the Lower Mainland, and this was a solitary event,” said Sgt. Chris Manseau with the Lower Mainland RCMP.

“Police are encouraging anyone who may have had any unusual encounters in the Pacific Spirit Park in recent weeks to report it to police immediately.”

This comes just days after a woman was groped while on a trail in North Vancouver’s Lynn Canyon Park. It happened Sunday afternoon when she was leaving the Varley Loop Trail area.

Police are still looking for a suspect in the weekend incident, with officers in this case describing a man between 25 and 30 years old with a “medium complexion” and some facial hair as the person they’re looking for.

Anyone with information on the incident in North Vancouver is asked to call the RCMP at 604-985-1311.

A map provided by the North Vancouver RCMP shows the location of an alleged sexual assault on Feb. 13, 2022. (Courtesy North Vancouver RCMP)

Meanwhile, anyone who may have been in the Trail 3 area of Pacific Spirit Park Tuesday around 10 a.m. or who saw anything suspicious is also asked to reach out to Mounties at 604.224.1322.

In the wake of Tuesday’s assault, the University RCMP is “suggesting” to people who may be taking advantage of the nicer weather to be aware of their surroundings.

They’re also recommending people “keep personal music at a lower volume,” and for all incidents to be reported to police as soon as possible.

-With files from Lisa Steacy