Surrey RCMP investigate stranger assault in Newton

ON Thursday (January 3) at approximately 5:30 a.m., Surrey RCMP frontline officers responded to a report of an assault that occurred in the 12500-block of 72nd Avenue.

The female victim, who is in her in 20s, was walking along 72nd Avenue when she was grabbed from behind and “bear hugged”.  The victim 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.

The suspect was described as a male with a beard, approximately 5 feet tall with a medium build.

Surrey RCMP Special Victims Unit is leading this investigation and are appealing to the public for any information that may lead to the suspect being identified.

Surrey RCMP are providing tips about personal safety precautions:

  • Don’t take short cuts. 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.

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, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.