'Disturbing' sexual assault on Abbotsford bus under investigation

Abbotsford Police are looking for a suspect in what they describe as a “disturbing” sexual assault on a Central Fraser Valley bus.

The incident occurred on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at 5 pm when a 23-year-old woman took a seat on a bus at Highstreet Mall.

Despite the fact the bus had only a handful of passengers on it, said police, a man insisted on sitting next to her when he boarded the bus at the following stop.

“The man was intoxicated and began to talk to the female victim about how he made his way to Abbotsford from Langley and that his plans included meeting friends for a celebration,” Abbotsford Police said in a release.

While speaking to the woman, the man put his hand on her thigh and began to move it, said police. The woman began to cry and pulled the cord to exit the bus at the next stop.

“The driver saw that she was upset and also exited the bus,” Abbotsford Police said.

“Moments later the suspect also left the bus and walked away. The driver and victim returned to the bus and met with a transit supervisor who escorted the victim home.”

Abbotsford Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident which they describe as a “disturbing sexual assault.”

They are also appealing for information about the identity of the suspect, and are asking for passengers who were on the bus to contact them.

The suspect is described as a South Asian man in his late 20s. He is approximately
six feet tall with a heavy build and unshaven face. He was wearing a black baseball cap
and black clothing.

The man also said his name was “Jas” or “Jess” and that he worked in the automotive field.

Anyone with information about this sexual assault should contact the Abbotsford Police Department by phone at 604-859-5225, or by text at 222973 (abbypd). To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at bccrimestoppers.com.