Surrey RCMP is investigating an incident of assault that occurred in the South Surrey area this morning and is appealing for any further information that may lead to the identity of a possible suspect.
On December 21st at 7:35 am, Surrey RCMP received a report that a female student who was walking in Alderwood Park, located in the 1700 block of Lilac Drive, and was grabbed by an unknown male who appeared to have been following her. The 16-year-old girl ran away from the suspect to Earl Marriot School. Police were immediately dispatched to the area but were unable to locate the suspect who fled prior to police arrival.
Surrey RCMP’s Special Victim Unit is leading this investigation with the assistance from the Youth Unit. Officers will be in the area canvassing the neighbourhood for any potential witnesses or surveillance video. The victim describes the suspect as a Caucasian male, 30 to 40 years old, fair complexion, short black hair, clean cut looking, and wearing a black hoody and gloves.
Thankfully the victim is physically uninjured however she is understandably upset by the incident, says Corporal Scotty Schumann. If you saw anything suspicious this morning investigators would like to hear from you right away.
Surrey RCMP is aware that a similar incident occurred in September near this school earlier this year. Officers are comparing these two incidents to determine if there are any connections.
The Surrey School District has sent a letter home to notify parents about this incident and remind students about general safety tips. Surrey RCMP also reminds students who are walking to school during these darker mornings to follow a few simple steps to heighten their safety:
Don’t take short cuts. Use main routes and avoid lanes, forested or secluded areas.
Walk in pairs or with friends.
Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
Phone home when leaving a friend’s house and say when you will be home.
Trust your instincts and your feelings.
Phone home if you are going to be delayed, or if your plans change
Anyone with more information is asked to contact us at 604-599-0502 quoting file# 2017-181306.
If you wish to make an anonymous report contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or go to www.solvecrime.ca.
