Thursday, March 28, 2024

Victoria Police make an arrest in multiple sexual assault cases on transit buses

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The power of social media prevails!

One woman’s report of a man who allegedly sexually assaults/harasses young women on BC Transit buses led others to come forward with the same story, which in turn caused Victoria Police officers to launch a formal investigation.

According to a VicPD press release this afternoon, officers coordinated with BC Transit staff, Saanich Police Department and West Shore RCMP investigators to locate the suspect. Although he was subsequently arrested, officers say the investigation is still on-going which is why they cannot release further details.

The suspect has since been tele-bailed and released on conditions, including restrictions barring him from bus stops and buses – he will be monitored to ensure compliance with these limitations.

What he did 

VicPD may not have been able to share details of their investigation, but a Facebook post that has been shared over 1,000 times tells of the alleged sexual assault that took place.

“He saw me sitting upstairs on the bus and with every other seat available, he sat beside me and inched further and further while eyeing my phone and legs,” reads the post, which was shared with permission from a closed Facebook group.

“Finally when I was completely squished and he started rubbing my leg with his, I went down stairs to the driver where he FOLLOWED me and rubbed himself on me from behind. I said loudly “I AM VERY UNCOMFORTABLE,” to the driver and he slipped off the bus at the next stop. He is clearly waiting for the next bus, the driver told me he travels the busses all day and describes him as ‘intense’ and ‘off’.”

Read the full description below:

VICTORIA BC WARNING !!!! 50 BUSUPDATE (from VicPD) | We've arrested a suspect. One charge of sexual assault has been…

Posted by Tanya Hudson on Tuesday, February 20, 2018

VicPD believes you

In their press release about the case, Victoria Police has also issued the following statement:

“To all who have survived sexual assault, know that we believe you.”

In case you have experienced this or any other sexual assault incident, report it by calling Victoria Police’s non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654, through Victoria Sexual Assault Centre at (250) 383-3232, and/or your doctor’s office or emergency room.

If you are on a BC Transit bus and experience something that causes you concern, please notify the Transit operator immediately. If you are in danger, please call 911.

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Brishti Basu
Former Senior Staff Writer and Content Manager at Victoria Buzz.

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