Additional witnesses sought after woman groped in downtown Vancouver, police say

A Vancouver Police Department patch is seen in Ottawa on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby Spencer Colby

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed a sexual assault in downtown Vancouver last month to come forward as the investigation continues.

The Vancouver Police Department said the incident unfolded in the city’s business district on March 25.

Officers were called to Granville Street between Dunsmuir and Pender after receiving reports of a man yelling and screaming at people just before 7:30 p.m.

A woman also reported that she had been groped by a stranger.

At the time, police said witnesses had reported the suspect had randomly assaulted other people on the street as well.

“The man was arrested and remains in custody,” VPD said in a statement Wednesday. “Investigators are asking anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the incident or was affected by this individual to come forward.”

Derek Jason Sangris, 47, has been charged with one count of sexual assault and the unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon, police said.

In 2022, a man with the same name pleaded guilty to sexual interference following an incident involving a 12-year-old girl at Granville Island Public Market.

Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 604-717-0604.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Kaija Jussinoja.