Police say four sexual assaults in and around Coquitlam park are linked

COQUITLAM, B.C. – The RCMP say a series of four separate sexual assaults in and around Glen Park in Coquitlam, B.C., are linked.

The Mounties say in a news release Monday that the first two incidents happened on Dec. 16 and Dec. 19, and two more cases occurred last Wednesday and on Saturday.

The release says in each incident, the suspect targeted an adult woman by touching or slapping her and quickly running away.

The alleged attacks all happened between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Cpl. Michael McLaughlin of Coquitlam RCMP says the incidents happened so quickly that no one saw the suspect’s face, but he’s described as a man with a slight build, short or below-average height and wearing dark clothing and a black jacket.

McLaughlin is urging women walking alone near the 1100-block of Westwood Street to be extra aware and consider walking with a friend or partner.

“It’s important that women feel safe in our parks, and we need everyone’s help to make that reality,” McLaughlin says in the release. “Our sex crimes unit is investigating and these incidents are being treated as high-priority. Our frontline officers will respond quickly when you call 911.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 27, 2020.