Suspected groper in rash of Surrey sex assaults arrested

Man released as investigation continues; police warn residents to stay alert

Surrey Mounties have arrested a man in connection with a series of sex assaults in the city.

At around 2 a.m. Saturday, Surrey RCMP received a report of an assault of a teenager in the 14800-block of 73 Avenue.

A 17-year-old girl was walking on 73 Avenue when she was assaulted from behind by an unknown man, according to RCMP.

The youth broke free and reported the incident to the police. Officers in the area located an adult man driving a grey Honda Accord, and identified him as a person of interest.

Following an investigation, he was arrested on Sunday in connection with four similar incidents of sexual assault between April 24 and Saturday.

He has been released from custody as the investigation continues.

Surrey RCMP is warning residents to keep their head up, stay alert and be aware of their surroundings.

They also say residents should walk with others when possible, and avoid isolated areas.

The first assault occurred on April 24.

A woman, out for a walk at 1 a.m. in the area of 84th Avenue and King George Boulevard, was grabbed by the arm and groped by a man who was passing in the opposite direction.

The next happened on May 20 when a second woman reported being grabbed and groped while walking near 144th Street and 76th Avenue at 5:16 a.m.

A third assault happened on May 21 at 4:45 a.m. A woman walking east 72nd Avenue at 134th Street was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted by an unknown male.

In all three attacks, the man was described as a South Asian male, approximately 5-foot-10 with a medium build and dark hair. He mayormaynothavefacialhairat this time.

Police released two composite sketches of the man.

Surrey RCMP is looking into five other incidents that occurred between March 14 and May 24 to determine if they are also connected.