Burnaby RCMP seeks suspect after woman sexually assaulted

The RCMP says it’s looking for a suspect after a woman was sexually assaulted in Burnaby on Dec. 31, just east of Brentwood Mall Centre.

According to Mounties, the woman was walking along Brentwood Drive near Delta Avenue around 6:30 p.m. when a man she didn’t know walked up behind her.

The man reportedly asked her for directions before hugging, groping, and attempting to kiss her, investigators say.

The woman was able to push the man away. He is said to have run toward Anola Drive.

While the woman was not physically hurt, the RCMP says she has been offered support through Victim Services.

“We want the public to be aware of this incident and to report anything suspicious to police,” said Corp. Laura Hirst. “We would also like to applaud the victim for her bravery. She was able to quickly flag down a passerby and call police for help right away.”

The suspect is described as a man between 40 and 45 years old, with a slim build. He has short, grey hair and was wearing a light brown jacket and black pants at the time of the incident.

Investigators say they’re looking for dashcam footage from the area of Brentwood Drive between Beta and Delta avenues between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. New Year’s Eve.

Police are asking anyone with video footage, or information, to contact the Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999 and quote file number 23-45611.