INVESTIGATORS from the Surrey RCMP Special Victims Unit are investigating two separate incidents of sexual assault that occurred only a few days apart in Guildford.
The first incident occurred on July 9, at approximately 9:50 p.m. A woman was walking in the 14200-block of 104 Avenue when she met an unknown male. The woman accompanied the man into Hawthorne Park where he then sexually assaulted her. The woman was able to fight off her attacker and fled the area.
Multiple officers were deployed to search for the suspect, including the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Services. However, he was not located at that time. The woman was transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening physical injuries.
The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 6’2” tall, 180lbs with a muscular build, and short messy dreadlocks. He was wearing black pants, and a black t-shirt (see photos).
Police are also seeking two witnesses to the offence, a man and woman who were near the entrance of Hawthorne Park, but left the area prior to speaking to police. They are requested to come forward to speak to investigators.
On July 12, at approximately 12:34 a.m., a female youth was walking in Tynehead Park when she was pushed from behind and sexually assaulted by an unknown male. Following the sexual assault, the man fled and the youth was able to leave the area to get help. She did not sustain any life-threatening physical injuries.
The suspect in this incident was described as a black male, approximately 6’1” tall, with a muscular build, and stubble on his face. He was wearing a bright red hoodie, black pants, and red shoes (see composite sketch of suspect 2).
At this time, there is no evidence linking these occurrences. However, police are asking the public to be aware of both incidents and to assist with any information that can advance either investigation.
“Both of these people have been emotionally impacted by these attacks,” said Staff-Sgt. Lyndsay O’Ruairc, Surrey RCMP Special Victims Unit. “We have provided referrals to Victim Services to both of them, and our investigative team is working very hard to identify and locate the people responsible for these sexual assaults.”
Investigators are also seeking dash-cam video from the area of 168 street and 96 Avenue between 10 p.m. on July 11 and 12:30 a.m. on July 12; as well as dash-cam video from the area of 104 Avenue to 142 Street on July 9 between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502. If you wish to make an anonymous report, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.
