Vancouver – A Vancouver Police investigation has led to sex assault charges against a man who allegedly groped two strangers near the Vancouver Art Gallery Saturday afternoon.

“We commend both victims who, despite being startled and shaken, had the presence of mind to call 9-1-1 and provide detailed information to police,” says Sergeant Steve Addison. “Their quick thinking, and help from an alert witness, helped VPD officers track the suspect and quickly take him into custody.”

The two sex assaults occurred within minutes of each other Saturday afternoon.

A 29-year-old woman was standing outside the Vancouver Art Gallery, near Howe Street and West Georgia, when she was groped by a man she did not know. Minutes later, a 24-year-old woman was walking near West Georgia and Thurlow Street when she was also sexually assaulted. A witness to that incident reported the incident to police and began following the suspect from a distance.

VPD officers searched the area and arrested the suspect on Robson Street.

Tyrel Delorme, 23, has been charged with two counts of sexual assault. He has since been released on bail.