SURREY RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect who is believed to have sexually assaulted a woman.

On Saturday, February 3 between 10 p.m. and 10:25 p.m., a woman was walking near a pathway in the area of 78A Avenue and 156 Street. when a man grabbed her and attempted to pull her into an alley and sexually assault her. The woman ran for safety and flagged down a passing vehicle for assistance.

The suspect is described as a South Asian man, between 30 to 45 years of age, 5’10”, with a full beard, and wearing a blue turban, dark-coloured shirt, and shorts.

The RCMP Special Victims Unit has conduct of this investigation. Investigators would like to speak with the occupants of a vehicle who assisted the woman at 156 Street and 78 Avenue. The vehicle is described as a white, 4-door sedan, possibly a Mazda with a sunroof, occupied by two men. 

“We believe there may be witnesses who were in the area at the time and may recall seeing a suspect matching this description,” said Sgt. Tammy Lobb, Media Relations Officer with Surrey RCMP. “The suspect was wearing shorts at the time and his clothing would have stood out at this time of year.” 

The investigation is ongoing. The woman has been connected with Victim Services and offered support.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or anyone who has dash camera footage from the area during the related timeframe is asked to call the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote 24-16571.