Close X
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
ADVT 
National

Arrested 29-Year-Old Burnaby Groping Suspect Commits Further Sexual Assaults After Release On Conditions

Darpan News Desk, 12 Dec, 2019 08:50 PM

    After a six-month investigation, 29-year-old Burnaby resident, Jorge Benjamin Bernal has been charged with four counts of sexual assault in relation to alleged groping incidents that took place in Burnaby.


    On April 12, 2019, Burnaby RCMP responded to a report that a teenage girl had been groped from behind by a man on Hastings Street in North Burnaby. The victim alleged that a man had run up to her, grabbed her buttocks and attempted to engage in conversation. The man then fled from the area. Burnaby Frontline officers attended the scene, gathered CCTV footage from area and isolated video of the man believed to be responsible for the groping.


    On May 8, 2019, Burnaby RCMP responded to a similar incident involving a teenage girl. The victim stated that she had been groped from behind on WiIlingdon Avenue in North Burnaby. The victim told police that as she was walking, a man approached her from behind, grabbed her buttocks, and attempted to engage her in conversation. When the victim challenged the man he fled the area. CCTV footage from the area was obtained by Frontline officers and the man was identified as being the same person involved in the April 12, 2019 incident.


    In mid-May, the Burnaby RCMP’s High Risk Offender Unit (HRO) took over the investigation. Using intelligence gleaned through CCTV footage and interviews of the victims and witnesses, officers traced the suspects movements which assisted them in identifying him. The suspect was subsequently arrested at a residence in Burnaby on August 21, 2019.


    A search warrant executed at this residence resulted in officers obtaining clothing which matched the clothing worn by the suspect on CCTV images acquired earlier in the investigation.


    Bernal was arrested and released on conditions. After his release, he allegedly committed two further offences.


    On September 20, it is alleged that he inappropriately touched a case worker who had been assigned to work with him.


    On November 6, it is alleged that he groped a community support worker who was assisting him with finding accommodation.

    Th
    is was a traumatic experience for these victims and our High Risk Offender Unit has been working on this investigation as a priority for a number of months, says Inspector Matt Toews, Investigative Services Officer with Burnaby RCMP. These investigators left no stone unturned and their diligence has resulted in serious charges being laid against the suspect.


    The suspect is facing four counts of sexual assault in relation to all the incidents outlined above. He is currently out on bail and must abide by 22 conditions including no contact with anyone under the age of 16, not to travel on any public bus unless travelling to an approved meeting or appointment and to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.


    Jorge Benjamin Bernal will appear in Vancouver Provincial Court on January 15,2020.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Burnaby RCMP Arrest Man In Relation To Suspicious Incident At SFU

    Burnaby RCMP Arrest Man In Relation To Suspicious Incident At SFU
    Burnaby RCMP have arrested a 19-year-old man in relation to an incident that occurred earlier today at SFU.    

    Burnaby RCMP Arrest Man In Relation To Suspicious Incident At SFU

    The VPD Has Released Its Annual Police Dog Calendar For 2020

    The VPD Has Released Its Annual Police Dog Calendar For 2020
    The 2020 Vancouver Police dog calendar is now on sale. It features members of the VPD Canine Unit and their four-legged partners in their best poses as they work to keep the city safe.

    The VPD Has Released Its Annual Police Dog Calendar For 2020

    Syrian Restaurant Owners Filing Complaint About Hate Messages, Toronto Cops Say

    A Toronto family forced to shut down their Syrian restaurant after a series of hate messages and death threats is filing a complaint with police.

    Syrian Restaurant Owners Filing Complaint About Hate Messages, Toronto Cops Say

    Police Act Report Finds Retired B.C. Sgt-At-Arms Commits Neglect Of Duty

    Police Act Report Finds Retired B.C. Sgt-At-Arms Commits Neglect Of Duty
    British Columbia's recently retired sergeant-at-arms committed neglect of duty and didn't tell the truth during an investigation into misconduct at the provincial legislature, a report released Tuesday concluded.

    Police Act Report Finds Retired B.C. Sgt-At-Arms Commits Neglect Of Duty

    Class Action Seeks Damages For Sexual Abuse Of Minors In N.L. Institutions

    The statement of claim filed on behalf of three representatives says class members were abused by staff, other residents and visitors to the institutions between May 1973 and June 1989.

    Class Action Seeks Damages For Sexual Abuse Of Minors In N.L. Institutions

    Emily Carr University Closed Until Oct. 15 Because Of Possible Arson Fire

    VANCOUVER - Classes at Emily Carr University in Vancouver are cancelled for another week because a suspected arson fire damaged some offices and art studios.

    Emily Carr University Closed Until Oct. 15 Because Of Possible Arson Fire