RCMP issue warning after woman sexually assaulted in Richmond

Richmond RCMP are warning the public after a woman was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted near the Richmond-Brighouse station Friday night.

It happened near Blundell and No.3 Road around 11 p.m.

Corporal Stephanie Ashton with Richmond RCMP says the victim, who is in her twenties, was walking in a well lit area at the time of incident.

“At 11 o’clock at night, there would have been people out on the street that could have potentially seen something,” says Ashton.

Police say it appears to be a random act, and no other incidents have been reported.

The suspect is described as approximately 5’7” to 5’9”, with medium build, an oval face and short cropped dark hair.

He appears to be between 30 and 40 years old.

The suspect is lighter skinned, but of unknown ethnicity.

He was wearing dark or black coloured knee length shorts and a black or dark coloured T-shirt or tank top at the time.

“At this point we have no reason to believe that the victim and the suspect knew each other,” says Ashton.

The incident was reported to police on Sunday, and investigators are still gathering evidence.

Investigators are working with the victim on producing a composite sketch of the potential suspect.

Police are reminding the public to be cautious when walking at night, stay in populated areas, travel in pairs, not wear ear buds and always let someone know where they are.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Richmond RCMP.