Abbotsford Police investigate sexual assault on bus

Incident occurred last Thursday en route to shopping centre

  • May. 23, 2017 10:00 a.m.

The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) is asking for the public’s help in trying to identify a suspect involved in an alleged sexual assault that took place last Thursday on a Central Fraser Valley Transit bus.

Const. Ian MacDonald said the incident took place at about 5 p.m. that day, when a 23-year-old woman was on a bus heading to Highstreet Shopping Centre.

A man boarded the bus at the next stop and, although there were few passengers on board, insisted on sitting next to the woman, MacDonald said.

He said the man, who was intoxicated, told the woman he had made his way to Abbotsford from Langley, and his plans included meeting friends for a celebration.

The man stated his name was “Jas” or “Jess” and that he worked in the automotive field, MacDonald said.

The suspect then put his hand on the woman’s left thigh and began to move it.

MacDonald said the woman began to cry and pulled the cord to exit the bus at the next stop, at Blue Jay Street and Maclure Road.

The driver saw that she was upset and also exited the bus.

Moments later, the suspect also left the bus and walked away. The driver and victim returned to the bus and met with a transit supervisor, who escorted the woman home.

Abbotsford Police are investigating the incident and are appealing for information about the identity of the suspect. They are also asking for the passengers on the bus to contact them.

The suspect is described as a South Asian man in his late 20s. He was approximately six feet tall with a heavy build and unshaven face. He was wearing a black baseball cap and black clothing.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225, text 222973 (abbypd) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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