The first victim was inside the Superstore Metrotown around 1pm on Thursday, when he was allegedly slapped in the buttocks by an unknown man who then fled the area. The incident was reported to police and officers were actively investigating when they received two additional reports of similar attacks on women near Metrotown. Police say the second and third incidents occurred around 9 a.m. Friday. In an email to CTV News Vancouver, the Burnaby RCMP says two of the three incidents occurred at the Metrotown Superstore. “The third incident was in a smaller business in Station Square,” says Cpl. Mike Kalanj. “Due to its smaller size, we are not publishing the name of the other store at this time.” The suspect is described as a white man in his 20s or early 30s. He wore a red Canada top with a V-neck with a maple leaf logo and a black hoodie or jacket with gray sleeves and dark stripes under each arm. “Work is underway to confirm whether these incidents are related,” Kalanj told a news release. “The Burnaby RCMP Serious Crimes Unit and the High Risk Crime Unit are investigating.” Officers say information about the suspect has also been leaked to police across BC as they work to locate a suspect. “Victim support is being offered,” says Kalanj. “In all three cases, the suspect was not known to the victims.” The Burnaby RCMP encourages anyone else who may have been attacked or anyone with information to contact investigators at 604-646-9999 and report the file number 22-10704.
