UPDATE: Victim in random Burnaby assault speaks out

WATCH: RCMP go door to door in a Burnaby neighbourhood, looking for clues in a pair of apparently random crimes, one of which claimed a life. Our Jeremy Hunka talks to a woman who survived her attack.

Burnaby RCMP have issued a warning following the assault of a woman in the area of Smith Ave. this weekend and a recent homicide that occurred in the same area.

According to police, a woman was walking along Smith Ave. early Sunday morning when a man approached her from behind and knocked her to the ground.

On Tuesday, the victim shared her story with Global News.

“I was so scared,” said the 29-year-old woman, who asked not to be identified. “It was so sudden.”

She said the attacker “didn’t ask for any money” and that she “struggled with him” before he fled.

The suspect is described as 5’11” and 165 lbs. with light skin and short dark hair. He was wearing a black coat and black pants.

Last week, Elmer Libertino was found dead in the area of Smith Ave. and Moscrop St. by a uniformed officer on routine patrol.

WATCH: Two violent attacks within four days have RCMP issuing a warning and a neighbourhood is on edge. Jeremy Hunka has the latest.

According to Stephanie Ashton of the The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), Libertino had no criminal record nor contact with police.

RCMP are not saying there is a link between Sunday’s assault and the death of Libertino, but feel it’s necessary to issue a public warning. Today they went door to door to warn residents and set up a mobile command centre in the area.

“It may be the same person that did both or it could be two completely separate incidents,” said S. Sgt. John Buis of Burnaby RCMP. “It’s just very unusual to have two of these things happen…in close proximity, around the same time, against people who were on foot.”

Anyone with information related to either incident is asked to contact Burnaby RCMP at 604-294-7922 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

-with files from Justin McElroy