Charges have now been laid in the sexual assault of a woman in downtown Vancouver.
On January 30th, shortly before 3:00 a.m., a 25 year old Vancouver woman was standing in the 600 block of Smithe Street when she was allegedly grabbed by a man, carried into the east lane of the 900 block of Granville Street and sexually assaulted.
The victim actively fought back and witnesses intervened after hearing her screams for help. Her attacker ran away and attempted to get into a number taxis, but the drivers refused him service. He then fled north on Granville Street.
The woman was taken to hospital by paramedics, where she was treated for injuries to her face, back and leg.
“This was a very traumatic situation, but she managed to do what was necessary to protect herself,” says Detective Constable Lorena Anderson of the Vancouver Police Sex Crimes Unit. “The fact that she fought back and screamed may well have prevented further injury.”
Police were able to obtain a photograph of a person-of-interest in the sexual assault. Investigators were able to put a name to the photograph, which led them to their suspect.
Dustin Burwood, a 26 year old Vancouver man, was arrested on Saturday and has now been charged with sexual assault causing bodily harm.
He remains in custody pending his next court appearance on February 7th at 9:30 a.m. in Provincial Court.
