New Westminster police seek witnesses after alleged stranger assault in Sapperton

New Westminster police are seeking witnesses after a woman was allegedly assaulted by a stranger in the city’s Sapperton neighbourhood earlier this month.

Police say the incident occurred at about 9 p.m. on Sept. 3 in the 400 block of East Columbia Street. The woman was walking in the area when an unknown man allegedly approached, grabbed her by the throat and pushed her against a wall. She kicked the suspect, who fled eastbound.

The suspect is described as a slim man about 18 years old and approximately five feet three inches tall, with dark curly hair. Police say he was wearing a Nike hoodie and black Adidas sweatpants.

BC Emergency Health Services assessed the woman at the scene, and she did not need to be taken to hospital. Sgt. Andrew Leaver said police are seeking anyone who witnessed the incident or has dash-camera or surveillance video from the area.

Investigators particularly want to speak with people who were nearby between 8:45 p.m. and 9:10 p.m. on Sept. 3. Anyone with information can call the New Westminster Police Department at 604-525-5411.