RCMP say Surrey woman was sexually assaulted by stranger while sleeping at home

A woman in the Newton area of ​​Surrey was awakened early Saturday morning by a stranger groping her, local police said.

“The victim screamed for help and the suspect fled,” the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) of Surrey said in a press release about the disturbing incident.

According to police, the attack occurred at the woman’s home on 91st Avenue near 141st Street in the Bear Creek neighborhood.

The emergency call came in at 3:15 a.m., police said. Officers on site and a police dog responded, but did not find the suspect.

Police described the suspect as a South Asian man in his early 20s with a long, black beard. He is approximately 5’7″ to 5’10” tall and of average build, police said.

They added that the Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit has taken over the investigation and is searching the area for surveillance video.

The victim is receiving support from the Surrey RCMP Victim Support Service, police said.

“Police are looking for anyone who may have seen the suspect or has information about him, specifically between 11:00 p.m. on July 19 and 3:30 a.m. on July 20,” the RCMP said in a press release.

“Anyone with further information who has not yet spoken to police is asked to call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote case number 2024-106141.”