Vancouver Police are warning the public following two assaults on women in the Oakridge neighbourhood, in hopes of preventing any further attacks and to obtain additional information about the person responsible.
The first incident took place shortly before 11:00 p.m. on January 23rd, after a 23-year-old woman left the Langara Canada Line Station. A man approached her from behind near West 48th Avenue and Manitoba Street, and tackled her to the ground. He hit her in the face and then ran away as she began to scream loudly for help, drawing the attention of nearby residents.
The second incident happened at about 7:00 p.m. on February 4th. A 67-year-old woman out for a walk near Columbia Park at West 42nd Avenue between Alberta and Columbia Street observed a man who appeared to be hiding behind a tree. Moments later, the man walked up and punched her in the face and head. When the woman screamed, the suspect ran off westbound towards Oakridge Mall.
Area searches by police and K-9 officers after the assaults failed to locate any suspects. Police have spoken to several witnesses, completed a comprehensive canvass for any video evidence, and have submitted articles for forensic examination and DNA testing. No suspects have been identified and no arrests have been made.
Details provided by the victims of their attackers are similar. They say the man was white, in his 30s or 40s, with a slim to medium build, and balding with short hair.
The reason for the attacks is not considered at this time to be sexually motivated. Investigators believe these were possible robbery attempts. Police have not been able to confirm if the attacks are linked in any way, or if the same person is responsible.
Police are asking everyone to try to be aware of their surroundings, and if they see someone suspicious, report the incident to police immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at (604) 717-0601 or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.
