Police investigating terrifying sex assault in East Vancouver

VPD probe terrifying sex assault in East Van A 57-year-old woman was groped from behind and hit on the head and face before managing to run away.

A 57-year-old woman is recovering after being beaten and groped in East Vancouver Monday night.

Police said the victim was walking alone on East 29th Avenue near Rupert Street around 9 p.m. when a man approached her from behind and started groping her.

The assailant then walked on, only to turn around and attack her again as she tried running to a nearby house for help.

“He tried to remove her clothing, hit her on the head and face, and then simply stopped the attack and ran away,” Const. Brian Montague said.

“We don’t know why he stopped the attack, whether he was spooked by something or what the case may be.”

The woman was shaken up but suffered only minor injuries, and has already been treated and released from hospital.

The sex assault took place just blocks away from the 29th Avenue SkyTrain Station, and police said they will be reviewing surveillance video from the area.

On Tuesday, police released a composite sketch of the suspect, who is described as white, 40 to 50 years old, 5’10” to 6’ tall, 170 lbs. with short, grey hair and “small eyes.” He was wearing a dark hoodie, jeans and white runners at the time of the attack.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Vancouver Police Sex Crimes Unit at 604-717-0601, or Crime Stopper sat 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.

With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Sheila Scott