Vancouver police have issued a warning to women in the Downtown Eastside following a violent assault against a sex worker on Monday morning.
Sgt. Steve Addison of the Vancouver Police Department says the suspect is unknown and still at large.
“While we work to gather evidence that will solve this crime, we’re also sharing information with women and other sex workers so they can make informed decisions about their safety,” said Addison.
Police say the woman was picked up near East Hastings Street and Campbell Avenue and assaulted with a weapon.
She was then reportedly pushed out of the vehicle near Oppenheimer Park.
Police say two passersby found the victim and helped her to report the crime.
The suspect is described as a heavy-set man between the age of 40 and 50-years-old with a receding hairline. He was last seen wearing a t-shirt and sweatpants.
Police say the suspect’s vehicle is an older, dark-coloured sedan.
If you have any information about the suspect, investigators from VPD’s Sex Crimes Unit are asking you to call 604-717-0601.
Police say the victim is now recovering from her physical injuries.