Close X
Saturday, November 23, 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

    Kelowna RCMP Seek Witnesses In Pedestrian Hit And Run

    Kelowna RCMP Seek Witnesses In Pedestrian Hit And Run
    Kelowna RCMP is seeking witnesses for a collision where a vehicle struck a pedestrian at Hollywood Rd and Hwy 33 and failed to remain on scene.    

    Kelowna RCMP Seek Witnesses In Pedestrian Hit And Run

    After Knife Attack On Appalachian Trail, Canadian Hiker Shares Plan To Finish Trek

    Stretching from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, the trail is a daunting challenge, and only about one in four hikers who set out to cover the full distance reach the end.

    After Knife Attack On Appalachian Trail, Canadian Hiker Shares Plan To Finish Trek

    There's Also A Race Gap: Wealth Of Canadians Divided Along Racial Lines, Says Report On Income Inequality

    There's Also A Race Gap: Wealth Of Canadians Divided Along Racial Lines, Says Report On Income Inequality
    Employment income is the sole or main source of income for most Canadians, and labour market policies play a major role in improving or worsening income inequality

    There's Also A Race Gap: Wealth Of Canadians Divided Along Racial Lines, Says Report On Income Inequality

    Kovrig Clings To Humour As 'Two Michaels' Near One Year In Chinese Prison

    OTTAWA - Canadian prisoner Michael Kovrig is trying to hold on to a sense of humour as he and fellow countryman Michael Spavor approach one year in solitary confinement in China, says Kovrig's current boss.    

    Kovrig Clings To Humour As 'Two Michaels' Near One Year In Chinese Prison

    Parasite' Big Winner At Toronto Film Critics Association Awards

    TORONTO - The dark social satire "Parasite" was the big winner at this year's Toronto Film Critics Association Awards.    

    Parasite' Big Winner At Toronto Film Critics Association Awards

    Kenney And Cabinet Ministers In Ottawa To Meet Federal Counterparts

    OTTAWA - Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and eight of his cabinet ministers will be in Ottawa today as part of a trip to meet their federal counterparts.    

    Kenney And Cabinet Ministers In Ottawa To Meet Federal Counterparts