Surrey police say they are investigating an alleged “stranger assault” in Newton on Jan. 3.
The female victim, police said in a news release Friday (Jan. 4), was walking along 72nd Avenue “when she was grabbed from behind and bear hugged.” The release states the incident happened near the 12500-block of 72nd Avenue around 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 3.
Help identify suspect in an assault on Jan 3 at 5:30am in 12500 blk of 72 Ave. Victim was grabbed from behind and her mouth covered. Suspect described as a male, 5’0″ tall, medium build, with a beard. Have info? Pls call us or @SolveCrime. pic.twitter.com/KjGyeHuTvB
— Surrey RCMP (@SurreyRCMP) January 4, 2019
The victim, according to RCMP, “screamed when the suspect covered her mouth with his hand.”
“The victim bit the suspect on the hand and freed herself from the suspect’s grip and ran away,” Surrey RCMP said in the news release.
Surrey RCMP said the suspect was described as about five feet tall with a beard and a medium build.
Police said the Surrey RCMP Special Victims Unit is leading the investigation into the alleged assault. Police are also asking the public if they have any information that may lead to the suspect being identified.
.@SurreyRCMP said the incident happened near the 12500-block of 72nd Ave. on Thursday, Jan. 3. #SurreyBC https://t.co/3GcfvdIvQ8
— Lauren Collins (@laurenpcollins1) January 4, 2019
Anyone who may have been in the area at that time or may have information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502. If you wish to make an anonymous report please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or solvecrime.ca.
Surrey RCMP also provided tips about personal safety precautions:
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