Sex assault suspect charged in joint Vancouver Police-Transit Police investigation

A joint investigation by Vancouver Police and Metro Vancouver Transit Police has resulted in an arrest and charges against a man who allegedly sexually assaulted a teenager on a bus in Mount Pleasant this month.

Police continue to investigate related files and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Metro Vancouver Transit Police launched an investigation two weeks ago after a 15-year-old girl was groped on a bus at Broadway and Quebec Street on May 17 at 2:45 p.m.

Investigators from VPD’s Sex Crimes Unit worked together with Transit Police to identify the suspect, who was arrested on Monday in Vancouver. Investigators believe there may be witnesses who have not been identified.

“Reducing sexual offences on transit is one of our top operational priorities, and this is especially true when the offender targets minors,” said Constable Peter Kwok, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, on Friday. “Our General Investigation Unit has worked tirelessly alongside Vancouver Police investigators to identify a suspect, and we hope that today a message is being sent to anyone who would commit such a crime that they will be caught and held accountable.”

Brendan Jonathan Yates, 25, was charged with one count of sexual assault, one count of sexual interference, and was later released with several conditions.

Anyone with information is asked to call VPD’s Sex Crimes Unit at 604-717-0602.