AT approximately 11:58 p.m. on June 7, Richmond RCMP received a report of an alleged assault with a weapon in the area of Seacote Road and King Road.
The victim told police she got off a bus at Williams Road and Seacote Road between approximately 11:25 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. As she was walking north on the east side of Seacote Road and was about to cross King Road., she was grabbed from behind. According to the victim, the suspect brandished a knife. A struggle ensued and the two ended up on the ground.
Fortunately, a driver who witnessed the interaction stopped to see if everything was alright. When the driver got out of his vehicle and called out, the alleged suspect left the area on foot.
Physically uninjured, the victim walked to her residence and reported the incident to Richmond RCMP.
Richmond RCMP officers with the support of the Lower Mainland Police Dog Services attended and searched the area but the suspect was not located.
The suspect is described as and East Asian male with a medium build, 5’7 to 5’9 tall, and 40 to 60 years old with graying hair
He was wearing an orange or red long-sleeved shirt or jacket, grey jogging pants with a black stripe and white writing, a black baseball cap, a light coloured medical mask, and black style runners.
He was carrying what appears to be a large, rectangular paper bag.
“We want to assure the public that we are working tirelessly to identify and arrest this suspect, but we need the community’s assistance. We ask anyone who may have witnessed the events leading up to or after the assault or lives in the area and has video surveillance installed to call us,” said Inspector Michael Cohee, officer-in-charge Richmond RCMP Investigative Services, on Thursday.
Richmond RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) has conduct of the investigation and is canvassing the following area for video surveillance:
* Williams Road to Kingsbridge Road
* No. 5 Road to Shell Road
Richmond RCMP asks anyone who may have seen the suspect in the area or has video surveillance equipment installed to contact Richmond RCMP and quote file number 2023-17348.
“We recognize assaults like this can create concern amongst the public and have increased patrols in the area,” said Cpl. Adriana O’Malley, Media Relations Officer. “Some general safety tips we would recommend include walking in well-lit areas, be aware of your surroundings, and if you are suddenly confronted run away, yell or do what you can to attract attention.”
For more personal safety tips visit the BC RCMP website.
Anyone who may have witnessed, or have information regarding this file, is asked to call Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 and quote file number 2023-17348. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you are requested to contact CrimeStoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit them online at www.solvecrime.ca.
