Suspect arrested in string of Metro Vancouver sex assaults

An RCMP patch is seen on the shoulder of an assistant commissioner, in Surrey, B.C., on Friday, April 28, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Police in Metro Vancouver have arrested a suspect following a string of sexual assaults on strangers in recent days.

The Coquitlam RCMP announced the arrest Wednesday, saying the suspect was taken into custody on Dec. 8 following "significant police efforts to identify and locate" him.

The local RCMP detachment is investigating nine reports of a man inappropriately touching women from behind as they walked by him, a police statement said.

Five of the incidents were reported in the Burquitlam area between the hours of 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Dec. 4 and Dec. 5. Two more incidents were reported on Dec. 6 in Glen Park in Coquitlam.

The man fled on foot after groping the women, according to police.

The statement did not identify where the other two assaults were reported.

"We are committed to ensuring the safety of our community," Sgt. Karrie Ellis said in the statement.

"Public safety is our top priority and we will dedicate any needed resources to protect our residents from harm and bring those responsible before the courts."

The suspect, who was not identified by police, has been released from custody while the investigation is ongoing.

Investigators are asking anyone with information related to the incidents to contact the Coquitlam RCMP non-emergency line at 604-945-1550.