Burnaby RCMP seek public's help to identify suspect in sexual assault investigation

Burnaby RCMP are asking for the public's help as they investigate a reported sexual assault that occurred in the city's Metrotown area last week.

According to police, the incident happened at about 11:30 p.m. on July 9 near Royal Oak Avenue and Beresford Street. Investigators said the victim was walking alone when an unidentified man approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her. The suspect fled the area after the victim called 911. Officers searched the neighbourhood but were unable to locate him.

Police said a second suspicious incident was reported about 30 minutes later near Beresford Street, where an individual was seen outside the sliding glass door of a ground-floor apartment. The person ran away after residents approached the window.

Cpl. Mike Kalanj said investigators later learned the same property had been the site of another suspicious occurrence at about 11 p.m. that evening, when a suspect was reportedly seen in the home's yard. That incident was not reported to police at the time. Kalanj said investigators have not confirmed whether the incidents are connected and that the investigation remains ongoing.