A suspect wanted for allegedly groping a teenage girl at a bus stop in Surrey, B.C., this summer has been arrested by transit police. According to a statement issued by the Metro Vancouver Transit Police Friday morning, the incident unfolded the night of June 28 at the Scottsdale Exchange bus stop. A man in his late 30s had approached the teenager while she was waiting for a bus. He attempted to talk to her and tried to kiss her, despite her telling him she was only 16 years old, police said. “He then grabbed her buttocks before pulling her into his lap and exposing his genitals to her,” the statement said. The suspect fled the scene when two other women in the bus stop noticed the commotion and confronted him. Transit police launched an investigation to identify and locate the suspect and arrested a man, already known to police, on Oct. 16. He was released under the condition he will not attend the bus exchange where the incident happened, and is due to appear in court. Transit police will be recommending a charge of sexual assault to the BC Prosecution Service, the statement said. The investigation is still underway, and police are asking the two bystanders who intervened to come forward and speak with investigators. “We understand how difficult it can be to report a sexual offence and commend the victim for coming forward so the suspect can be held accountable for his actions,” Const. Amanda Steed said in the release. Anyone who experiences or witnesses sexual harassment, unwanted touching, or indecent acts on public transport is encouraged to report it to transit police by calling 604-515-8300 or texting 877777.
