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Surrey RCMP investigate alleged ‘stranger assault’ in Newton

Police say female victim ‘bit suspect on the hand’ to free herself
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Surrey RCMP say a woman in her 20s was allegedly assaulted in the 12500-block of 72nd Avenue around 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 3. Police said they are investigating the incident. (Google Maps)

Surrey police say they are investigating an alleged “stranger assault” in Newton on Jan. 3.

The female victim, police said in a news release Friday (Jan. 4), was walking along 72nd Avenue “when she was grabbed from behind and bear hugged.” The release states the incident happened near the 12500-block of 72nd Avenue around 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 3.

The victim, according to RCMP, “screamed when the suspect covered her mouth with his hand.”

“The victim bit the suspect on the hand and freed herself from the suspect’s grip and ran away,” Surrey RCMP said in the news release.

Surrey RCMP said the suspect was described as about five feet tall with a beard and a medium build.

Police said the Surrey RCMP Special Victims Unit is leading the investigation into the alleged assault. Police are also asking the public if they have any information that may lead to the suspect being identified.

Anyone who may have been in the area at that time or may have information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502. If you wish to make an anonymous report please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or solvecrime.ca.

Surrey RCMP also provided tips about personal safety precautions:

• Don’t take shorts. Use main routes, avoid lanes, forested or secluded areas.
• Walk in well-lit areas.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
• Don’t assist strangers.
• Trust your instincts and your feelings.



lauren.collins@surreynowleader.com

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Lauren Collins

About the Author: Lauren Collins

I'm a provincial reporter for Black Press Media's national team, after my journalism career took me across B.C. since I was 19 years old.
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