As the investigation continues into a sexual assault along a popular Burnaby trail last week, police have received a number tips in the days since.
On Monday, local Mounties confirmed investigators had received “a large number of tips” in the case and continue to follow up on all leads.
However, no arrests have been made in the case.
The RCMP warned the public to walk in groups after a woman was sexually assaulted Thursday on the Burnaby Mountain Urban Trail.
The woman was walking along a path around 12:40 p.m. when she was approached by a man and sexually assaulted.
The woman was taken to hospital and for treatment.
Police said the incident happened off the main trail on a smaller path that connects to Government Street. The suspect fled into the bushes toward Lougheed Mall.
On Friday, the RCMP released a sketch of the suspect.
“We want the public to know that this is a priority for Burnaby RCMP and all available resources including specialized units are being utilized in this investigation,” said Cpl. Daniela Panesar, spokesperson for Burnaby RCMP, said in a statement. “We want to caution the public that, if at all possible, to walk in pairs or in a group, especially in the area around the Burnaby Mountain Urban Trail.”
On Friday the NOW spoke to several residents who either live near the trail or walk it on a regular basis, including Lorraine Esser, who lives on Keswick Avenue and uses the trail to walk her two dogs. She isn’t surprised to hear that someone was assaulted along the route.
Esser was nearly a victim last May when a man approached her along the trail. Fortunately, someone else was in the area and scared off the would-be assailant. She reported the incident to police.
“It’s too remote,” she said, talking about the portion of the trail near her home. “If you’re walking on the path, if someone jumps out of the bush, you’ll never see anyone. I think about that all the time.”
Esser, who said she won’t walk the trail at night, also suggested the street could use more lights and she’s constantly on the lookout for trouble in her neighbourhood.
Ann Downie, Sharon McKenzie and Faith Rapchuk were also on the trail near Broadway Friday.
The three women said they feel the trail is safe, but they tend to walk in groups and will continue to do so.
“I would never walk alone,” said McKenzie, adding she’s usually pretty aware of her surroundings on the trail.
While Rapchuk, who’s lived in the area for 40 years, said an assault like the one Thursday could happen anywhere.
“I still feel the Lower Mainland is safe,” Downie added.
Meanwhile, police are asking anyone with information about the suspect or the case to call Burnaby RCMP’s Serious Crime Section at 604-294-7922.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian man with a slim build, standing five feet seven-inches tall, balding and between the ages of 40 and 50-years-old. He was wearing black gloves, a grey hoodie, black jacket, black Adidas runners with green writing, and grey sweat pants that had very muddy cuffs.
