Suspect identified in seven assaults on women in Coquitlam: RCMP
Credit to Author: The Canadian Press| Date: Thu, 30 Jan 2020 20:20:01 +0000
The RCMP says it has identified a suspect after seven assaults of women in or near Glen Park in Coquitlam.
The Mounties say plainclothes investigators have identified the individual who had no previous dealings with police.
Cpl. Michael McLaughlin says in a news release there are “extenuating circumstances” involving the suspect that may have played a role in the alleged assaults.
He says due to privacy concerns, the RCMP cannot go into detail about the suspect’s circumstances, but public safety is its priority.
The RCMP has previously said that a person targeted adult women by touching or slapping them and quickly running away.
McLaughlin says the sex crimes unit is working with prosecutors to determine the best course of action and that may not include criminal charges.
He says systems are in place to ensure that the Glen Park area will stay safe.
“It’s important that our citizens have the information they need to keep themselves safe, and we’d like to thank everyone for their attention to this investigation,” he says.
“We also want to remind people that it’s not helpful to draw conclusions about motive without all the facts. It’s also important to leave enforcement to the police.”