Man groped teen girl, tried to shove her into car: police

The intersection of Townline Road and Firhill Drive is seen in this undated Google Maps image.

Police are searching for a suspect after a 17-year-old girl was groped and pushed toward the backseat of a car in Abbotsford.

The victim was approached by a stranger after getting off a bus near Townline Road and Firhill Drive around 11:15 p.m. on May 7, according to police.

The man grabbed her and offered to give her cash before trying to force her into the back of a shiny, black, four-door sedan.

Police said the victim managed to call 911 and her assailant fled the area.

Nearly two weeks later, the Abbotsford Police Department’s Major Crime Unit is still trying to track down a suspect, who may frequent the neighbourhood.

“The suspect has been observed in the area by other witnesses and investigators believe he may live or work nearby. We ask everyone to elevate their personal safety practices in light of this sexual assault,” police said in a statement.

The man is described as South Asian, 20-35 years old, 5-7 to 5-9 tall with a medium build, short black hair and a beard that appeared to have only been grown for a couple days.

Police said he spoke with a Punjabi accent and was wearing black pants and a black T-shirt with a grey pattern or logo on the front and back.

Anyone with information on the attack can contact the department at 604-859-5225, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.