Woman praised for bravery after violent stranger assault in Burnaby

Burnaby RCMP are urging the public to be vigilant after a woman was violently assaulted during an evening walk in early June.

The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on June 3, near Stride Avenue and Griffiths Drive in South Burnaby. Police say the victim was grabbed from behind by an assailant who "hugged her, causing her to fall to the ground." The suspect groped her buttocks and covered her mouth while she yelled. The victim fought back, causing the suspect to let go and flee.

The victim was unable to get a clear look at the suspect during the assault, whose gender is currently unconfirmed. The assailant is described as 5'5" to 5'10", medium build, and wearing dark clothing.

"We'd like to acknowledge the victim's bravery in coming forward and in fending off the suspect," said Cpl. Mike Kalanj with the Burnaby RCMP. "While the description of the suspect is not solid in this case, we want the public to be aware of the incident and to be vigilant while walking alone at night."

This is the second violent stranger assault reported in Burnaby parks recently. In February, a woman in her 30s was grabbed from behind by an unknown man around 7:45 p.m. in Lobley Park near Grimmer Street and Dunblane Avenue.