Residents beware – that’s the message coming from Burnaby RCMP after a woman was assaulted in the area where a homicide occurred only days before.
According to police, at about 1:40 a.m. on April 19 a woman was walking home in the 4800 block of Smith Avenue when she was attacked from behind.
The suspect grabbed her and a struggle ensued, but the victim was knocked to the ground. She began to scream, which scared off the suspect, according to a media release from Burnaby RCMP.
The suspect is described as about 5-11 and 165 pounds with light skin and short dark hair. He was wearing a black coat and black pants.
Three days earlier, a 33-year-old Burnaby man was found dead shortly before 3 a.m. in the eastbound lane of Moscrop Street near Smith Avenue.
While police couldn’t say whether there is a connection between the April 19 attack and the April 16 death of Elmer Libertino, they are warning the public because both victims were travelling on foot in the same area and at about the same time.
“Please trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings, and, if at all possible, travel in pairs, especially if you are out walking late at night," Staff Sgt. Maj. John Buis, spokesperson for the Burnaby RCMP, said in the release.
Both Burnaby RCMP’s serious crime unit and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team are working together to determine if the two incidents are connected.
“Please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police,” Buis added.
Anyone with information on the April 19 assault or has seen any suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact the Burnaby RCMP at 604-294-7922 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
