Three more sexual assaults have now been linked to a single suspect who touches or slaps women while they are walking in or around Glen Park in Coquitlam.
That brings the total to seven reported sexual assaults within three months.
Coquitlam RCMP are advising women to not walk alone through the park alone and to call 911 if they witness suspicious behaviour.
“These incidents happened so quickly that no one has yet seen the suspect’s face,” Cpl. Michael McLaughlin said in a press release.
In two of the incidents, the victims were touched on the buttocks, police say.
Consistent details available so far say the man has a slight build, is of short or below-average height and wearing dark clothing and a black jacket.
Police say the first reported incidents happened Dec. 16 and Dec. 19, with two more taking place Jan. 22 and Jan. 25.
On Wednesday, Jan. 29, Coquitlam RCMP confirmed to The Tri-City News that an additional three sexual assaults at the park have been reported to police. McLaughlin described them as “fairly historical,” having occurred between November and December 2019.
“The reason the victims waited to come forward is they weren't even certain that a criminal offence had occurred. But when they saw the news release and this information appearing in the media, they gave us a call,” said McLaughlin.
In each case, the suspect targeted a women by touching or slapping her and quickly running away, with the alleged attacks taking place in the early evening, between 5 and 7 p.m., according to the Mounties.
McLaughlin said the Coquitlam RCMP’s sex crimes unit has made the investigation a “high priority.”
“It’s important that women feel safe in our parks, and we need everyone’s help to make that reality”, McLaughlin said in a press release.
At a press conference on Wednesday, McLaughlin urged the public to reserve judgement while police investigate the cases and a possible motive. “We will determine that in good time. Let's just not try and take things into our own hands, please,” he said.
For any crime in progress, call 911 immediately. If you have information that may help solve this crime, call the Coquitlam RCMP’s non-emergency number at 604-945-1550 and ask for the Sex Crimes Unit (quote file number 2020-2032).
