POLICE have released a sketch of the man they say sexually assaulted a North Vancouver teen in her home last week.
Investigators published the hand-drawn image Thursday in the hope a member of the public could help lead them to him.
The suspect allegedly gained entry to the victim's house in the 4000-block of Capilano Road just after noon, June 28, by posing as a professional yard worker.
"The girl had just returned home after picking up her school report card, when the suspect knocked on the door, saying her parents had contracted him to do arborist work," said Cpl. Holly Marks, spokeswoman for the Lower Mainland District Regional Police Service. "He knew the girl's first name, and convinced her to let him in the house, where he sexually assaulted her."
The suspect is described a a 45-year-old Caucasian man six-feet tall with a heavy build and gelled short brown hair.
He was wearing blue jeans and a short sleeve blue polo shirt at the time of the attack, according to investigators.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the victim's father put out a plea for information, saying he was worried the man might strike again.
"This has been a traumatic event for our family and we want to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else," he said.
Now would also be a good time for parents to refresh some safety ground rules for kids when they're at home without an adult, Marks said.
"Older children or teens should check the peephole first, and if the person at the door is not someone they know or are expecting, then they should not answer the door.
"Strangers should not be allowed onto the property or residence without the approval of the parents or guardians," Marks said.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the North Vancouver RCMP serious crime unit at 604-969-7515.
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
District of North Vancouver
Next regular council meeting, Monday, July 9, 7 p.m. www.dnv.org
- Environmental protection and tree protection bylaw
- Transportation plan.
- Prohibition of longboarding in some areas.
City of North Vancouver
Regular council meeting, Monday, July 9, 6 p.m. www.cnv.org
- North Vancouver Museum feasibility study.
- Amendments to child care zoning
District of West Vancouver
Regular council meeting, Monday, July 9, 7 p.m. www.westvancouver.ca
- Jen St. Denis
