Woman Stabbed during Violent Sexual Assault in East Vancouver

One woman is recovering in hospital and police continue to look for the suspect responsible for a violent sexual assault that occurred in East Vancouver last night.

At about midnight, a 35-year-old woman was walking in the east lane of Joyce Street near Archimedes when she was approached by a man in a vehicle. He dragged her inside, physically assaulted her and drove to an area near East 45th Avenue and Rupert Street. Once there, the woman was stabbed and sexually assaulted.

The victim managed to scream and fight off her attacker, but not before receiving serious injuries.

While it is still early in the investigation, it appears the woman was targeted because the attacker believed her to be a sex trade worker.

Investigators believe there were several witnesses at both of the locations who have not yet spoken to police. Anyone with information, or who may have seen something suspicious, is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Sex Crimes Unit at (604) 717-0601.

Source: VPD Medial Releases

Feature Image: Police line via shutterstock