Vancouver man arrested in connection with harassment and attempted sexual assault of woman taking transit
Police say a man followed a woman, made sexual gestures and remarks and tried to grab her
Metro Vancouver transit police have arrested a suspect in connection with the alleged harassment and attempted sexual assault of a young woman taking transit.
Police say a 64-year-old Vancouver man was arrested Dec. 19 near the Marine Drive Canada Line station, following an investigation.
According to transit police, the 21-year-old woman said a man followed her on the bus and train, made inappropriate sexual gestures and remarks, once whispered in her ear and tried to grab her buttocks.
Police are commending the woman for coming forward with her story, even though they say she was fearful of retaliation.
"Finally, with the encouragement of her boyfriend [she] realized that she had no control over this situation, and this man wasn't going to stop without help, so she finally came to us and shared her story," said Metro Vancouver transit police spokesperson Anne Drennan.
"We know these kinds of things happen, and we also know that if we find out about them, we can make a difference. It's when we don't share about them that it becomes extremely problematic, and, you know, one man or one person can victimize a lot of people before someone does come forward, and we're able to deal with it," Drennan said.
The man was released on a promise to appear in Vancouver Provincial Court Feb. 19, with the condition he not contact the woman.
Transit police are recommending charges of criminal harassment and attempted sexual assault.
Drennan says the man has no prior criminal history, as far as they're aware.
She says victims and witnesses are encouraged to report cases like this to them directly by text at 87 77 77 or by calling 604-515-8300.
With files from Farrah Merali