Victim chases down alleged groper in Vancouver

Police in Vancouver say a woman was able to chase down a man who allegedly groped her Sunday night before police were called to the scene.

The Vancouver Police Department explains the 32-year-old Vancouver woman was walking near Main Street and East 62nd Avenue around 11:45 p.m. when she was approached from behind and sexually assaulted by a stranger.

The VPD says as the suspect tried to run away, the woman ran after him and “drew attention to herself by calling out for help,” Sgt. Steve Addison shared.

“Her screams caught the attention of two men in a nearby house, who came outside just as the suspect was fleeing into a yard. The Good Samaritans took custody of the suspect while the woman called 911, and our officers arrived moments later to take custody of the man,” he added.

While the suspect has not been formally charged, the 34-year-old man’s clothing and vehicle, which was parked nearby, have been seized.

The man is due back in court on Jan. 25, 2025.

“This woman showed courage, poise, and presence of mind after being attacked by a complete stranger,” said Addison. “We commend her, and the people who assisted her, for tracking down the suspect and helping our officers make this quick arrest.”

Editor’s note: an earlier version of this story suggested that the suspect was stopped before police made it to the scene of the incident. In fact, he was stopped before the victim was able to call police.