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Police seek victim of alleged barbecue lighter assault at Burnaby mall

A suspect allegedly approached a woman at Metrotown mall on Dec. 23 and threatened her with a barbecue lighter.

Police are urging a woman allegedly assaulted by a stranger wielding a barbecue lighter at Burnaby Metrotown mall to come forward and speak to police.

The suspect allegedly approached the woman inside the mall at around 5 p.m. on Dec. 23 with the lighter, made a verbal threat and sparked the lighter near the woman's head.

The suspect was arrested shortly after the incident, but the woman left the area and has not come forward to police.

Burnaby RCMP investigators would like to speak with the victim.

She is described as an Asian woman in her 40s or 50s with medium length hair.

She was wearing distinct patterned pants (see photo in gallery above), a yellow T-shirt, and beige vest and grey sneakers.

"While the victim was not physically injured, we would like to encourage her to come forward and speak with our investigators," Burnaby RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Laura Hirst said in the release. "We would also like to let all victims know there are available supports we can offer when they are impacted by crime."

The investigation is ongoing.

Follow Cornelia Naylor on X/Twitter @CorNaylor
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