Police are asking the public for help after a woman was subjected to a terrifying knife attack in south Richmond.
Richmond RCMP said the woman had gotten off a bus at around 11:30 p.m. last Wednesday, June 7 close to Williams and Seacote roads.
However, just before midnight, as she walked north on Seacote at its intersection with King Road a man brandishing a knife grabbed her from behind.
According to the victim, a struggle ensued and the two ended up on the ground.
Police said that, thankfully, a driver who witnessed the interaction stopped to see if everything was alright.
And when the driver got out of his vehicle and called out, the suspect left the area on foot.
Physically uninjured, the woman then walked to her home and reported the incident to Richmond RCMP.
Police say officers, including dog handlers, searched the area but were unable to find the suspect.
Suspect was carrying large paper bag, wearing orange/red jacket
He is described as:
An Asian male; of medium build; about 5’7 to 5’9; 40 to 60 years; graying hair and was wearing an orange or red long-sleeved shirt or jacket; grey jogging pants with a black stripe and white writing; a black baseball cap; a light-coloured medical mask and black runners.
He was also understood to be carrying what appears to be a large, rectangular paper bag.
“We want to assure the public that we are working tirelessly to identify and arrest this suspect but we need the community’s assistance,” said Richmond RCMP’s Insp. Michael Cohee.
“We ask anyone who may have witnessed the events leading up to or after the assault or lives in the area and has video surveillance installed to call us.”
Police say they are canvassing the following area for video surveillance:
Williams Rd to Kingsbridge Rd;
No 5 Rd to Shell Rd.
Anyone who may have seen the suspect in the area or has video surveillance equipment installed is asked to contact Richmond RCMP and quote file number 2023-17348.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit them online at www.solvecrime.ca.
“We recognize assaults like this can create concern amongst the public and have increased patrols in the area,” added Cpl. Adriana O’Malley, Richmond RCMP Media Relations Officer.
“Some general safety tips we would recommend include walking in well lit areas, be aware of your surroundings, and if you are suddenly confronted run away, yell or do what you can to attract attention.”
For more personal safety tips visit the BC RCMP website.
