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Police increasing Stanley Park patrols after stranger sex assault

Police are working to obtain more information and a detailed suspect description.
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Anyone with information is asked to call the VPD. The attack happened on March 18, 2024 in Vancouver's Stanley Park.

Police are continuing to search for a suspect after a woman was sexually assaulted by a stranger in Stanley Park earlier this week. 

On Monday at 10:45 a.m., a woman called 911 to report that she had been attacked while on Lees Trail, just north of Lost Lagoon. 

Patrol officers, VPD’s Mounted Unit and K9 Unit responded to the park and conducted searches but could not find the suspect. 

Since the attack, Vancouver police has been increasing its police presence throughout the park.

Const. Tania Visintin explains how more patrols are being done with officers on horseback, in cars and on pedal bikes. 

"We understand this attack will be unsettling to many, and we want to provide some comfort to park users,” says Visintin. 

On Wednesday, police were not at a point yet in the investigation where they could release specific details. 

"We're continuing to collect evidence and working with the victim to obtain more information about the suspect and what happened, including a more detailed suspect description,” says Visintin. 

When the incident occurred, police warned the public of the attack. Sgt. Steve Addison said there were some details that VPD was unable to share on the day of the attack. 

"However, we are telling the public about this incident so everyone can exercise caution in the area,” said Addison. 

Police are searching for a man in his 20s, who is five-foot-seven and is being described as dark-skinned. He was wearing a black toque and a zip-up jacket with a checkered pattern on the front. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Vancouver police at 604-717-4021.