Update May 10, 2023:
Following a tip from the public, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Police have arrested a 25-year-old man suspected of allegedly groping four women between April 27 and 29.
The series of sexual assaults allegedly occurred in Downtown Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»while the women were walking through the neighbourhoods around BC Place and Rogers Arena.
VPD released images of the suspect on Tuesday and reportedly arrested him Wednesday morning at a residence in East Vancouver. He remains in custody.
Original story follows
Original story May 9, 2023:
Police are seeking the public's help after several reports of sexual assault in Vancouver's downtown that may involve the same suspect.
The Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Police Department (VPD) say since April 27 four women between the ages of 25 and 40 have reported being sexually assaulted while walking between 9 and 11:15 p.m. near BC Place and Rogers Arena.
"On April 27, a woman was walking near Pender and Abbott streets around 9 p.m. when she was approached by a stranger from behind, then groped," states a police press release. "Within minutes, a woman was walking near Georgia and Beatty Street when she, too, was groped. Both victims called VPD right away."
The next incidents happened on April 29. The first occurred around 9:15 p.m. when a woman was standing near the intersection of Georgia and Beatty streets and was groped by a stranger.
Later that night, around 11:15 p.m., another assault occurred a couple of blocks away at Georgia and Hamilton streets.
The VPD's sex crimes unit is investigating; after canvassing the area they've collected video of a man they believe is a suspect in the case.
They describe him as "a dark-skinned man who is about 5’5” and appears to be in his 30s." At the time of the assaults, he had a moustache and was wearing glasses.
"Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information is asked to contact the VPD Sex Crimes Unit at 604-717-0602," states the police.