Quick action on board a West Vancouver Blue Bus is being credited for an arrest after a 25-year-old woman reported being groped while on board.
The incident happened just before 8:30 p.m. on Monday, when the woman – who was standing inside the bus – said a man sitting nearby reached up between her legs and grabbed her. The woman screamed and the man fled the bus after being confronted by the woman and other passengers, including the woman’s sister, who were on board at the time.
Police were called and as officers searched for the man, a new report came in of a man fondling himself on a bus nearby. Police found the man and arrested him. Investigators determined both incidents had involved the same suspect.
“It was definitely disturbing and quite upsetting,” said Const. Jeff Palmer, spokesman for the West Vancouver Police.
Palmer said such incidents are relatively rare, but quick reporting can lead to an arrest. Officers also plan to review on-board video.
West Vancouver police are recommending charges of sexual assault and performing an indecent act in a public place against the suspect.
A 21-year-old Nanaimo man was scheduled to make a first appearance in North Vancouver provincial court Tuesday.
