Burnaby RCMP warning public after woman sexually assaulted on trail

Burnaby RCMP are warning the public after a woman was sexually assaulted on a trail Thursday afternoon.

The woman was walking along a busy section of the Burnaby Mountain Urban Trail at about 12:40 p.m. when police say she was approached by an unknown man and sexually assaulted. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian man with a slim build, 5’7″ in height, balding and between the ages of 40 and 50 years old. He was wearing black gloves, a grey hoodie, black jacket, black Adidas runners with green writing, and grey sweatpants that had very muddy cuffs. He fled through the bushes, travelling on foot towards Lougheed Town Centre.

“We want the public to know that this is a priority for Burnaby RCMP and all available resources including specialized units are being utilized in this investigation,” said Cpl. Daniela Panesar in a release. 

“We want to caution the public that if at all possible to walk in pairs or in a group especially in the area around the Burnaby Mountain Urban Trail.”

WATCH: The full news conference from Burnaby RCMP.

2:33 Extended video: Burnaby RCMP hunt for attacker

Investigators can’t say at this point whether the suspect is the same person who was involved in a number of attempted assaults that took place two years ago.

“We don’t know at this point, but we’re looking at all aspects at this investigations, and we will look back at our records to see if there are any similarities – not only there in that area, but through Burnaby, and possibly through the Lower Mainland,” said Staff Sgt. Major John Buis.

“We’ve got this good description of this person, and we will be sending this to our police partners in the hope we can identify this person quickly.”

If you have any information about this case call Burnaby RCMP’s Serious Crime Section at 604-294-7922 or Crime Stoppers, if you wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.