Two Vancouver women sexually assaulted on Canada Day

Vancouver Police are issuing a public warning after two women were sexually assaulted in the area of West 7th Avenue between Larch Street and Vine Street on the morning of July 1st.

A 28 year old woman was walking through the 2400 block of West 7th Avenue around 2:15 a.m. when she was grabbed from behind, thrown to the ground and groped repeatedly. The attacker ran away eastbound along W. 7th Avenue after the woman screamed and fought him off. Police were called as soon as the woman reached her home.

She described the assailant as 5’10” tall, with a medium build. He was wearing a black hoodie with the hood up, and black gloves.

Just 15 minutes later at 2:30 a.m., a 23 year old woman was walking alone in the 2200 block of Vine Street when a man approached her from behind, covered her mouth with his hand and forced her to the ground where he groped her repeatedly. The assailant was described as Caucasian, 5’7” with a stocky build, and wearing a red t-shirt. He ran off eastbound on West 7th Avenue.

Vancouver Police believe these two incidents are related and are actively searching for a suspect.