Repeat offender accused of sexual assault on transit

Dec 19 2017, 11:31 pm

Jason Steven Taylor, 45, of New Westminster has been remanded in custody by Transit Police, following an arrest and two charges of sexual assault on the transit system.

Taylor was arrested as a suspect following an incident on May 19 on a Coast Mountain Bus travelling on the Lougheed Highway in Coquitlam. A man sat next to a 19-year-old woman and ran his hand up her thigh, and when the woman elbowed him, he then showed her pornographic videos on his phone. The woman moved to a different seat and reported the incident to Transit Police on the scene, leading to Taylor’s arrest.

After being taken into custody, Transit Police matched Taylor’s description to that of a suspect in a similar assault, taking place May 2 on a Coast Mountain Bus parked at the MetroTown loop. In this incident a man rubbed the thigh of another 19-year-old woman and said sexually explicit things to her. Another passenger noticed and told him to stop, reporting the incident to Transit Police after disembarking, with the victim also reporting it shortly thereafter.

“We commend these young women for taking the difficult step of coming forward and reporting these incidents to police,” Transit Police said in a press release. “We also commend the witness who intervened and then reported what she observed to police.”

Taylor is known to the police, and is a repeat offender with three previous convictions for sexual assault on the transit system. He’s currently on two probation orders for sexual assault, and his next court date is June 10, 2015.

“Sexual assaults are a priority for the Transit Police. Passengers have the right to use transit free from harassment or assault of any kind,” the press release continues. “We encourage anyone who is the victim of sexual harassment or assault or who witnesses this to report it to us. We will take every report seriously and investigate thoroughly. Together we can make a difference.”

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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