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

    Police Looking For ‘High Risk’ Missing Delta Man Last Seen At Surrey Memorial Hospital

    Adam Summers, age 30, has been missing since approximately 6:45 pm, December 4, and police are asking the public’s assistance in locating him.

    Police Looking For ‘High Risk’ Missing Delta Man Last Seen At Surrey Memorial Hospital

    Indians Divided Over Citizenship Amendment Bill

    Indians Divided Over Citizenship Amendment Bill
    As the Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave its nod to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, Twitter users came out in support or opposition to the proposed law.

    Indians Divided Over Citizenship Amendment Bill

    Montreal Man, Who Is A Former Cop And Hockey Coach, Arrested On Suspicion Of Sex Assault On Minors

    Longueuil police said Wednesday they are seeking other possible alleged victims of Francois (Frank) Lamarre, 71, who has lived in the Montreal suburb of Greenfield Park for nearly 50 years.

    Montreal Man, Who Is A Former Cop And Hockey Coach, Arrested On Suspicion Of Sex Assault On Minors

    Grant Extends Reach Of Low Cost 3D-printed Hands, Back Braces To Canadian Kids

    Grant Extends Reach Of Low Cost 3D-printed Hands, Back Braces To Canadian Kids
    VICTORIA - Nick Dechev says amputees randomly show up at his laboratory at the University of Victoria and ask for help.

    Grant Extends Reach Of Low Cost 3D-printed Hands, Back Braces To Canadian Kids

    8-Year-Old Nova Scotia Girl Earns Bravery Award For Saving Family From Van That Plunged Into River

    HALIFAX - An eight-year-old Nova Scotia girl who helped rescue her family from a van that plunged into a river has received a bravery award from the premier.    

    8-Year-Old Nova Scotia Girl Earns Bravery Award For Saving Family From Van That Plunged Into River

    Six Taken To Hospital With Carbon Monoxide Poisoning In Pitt Meadows, B.C.

    Six people have been taken to hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning due to a gas leak at a business complex in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia.

    Six Taken To Hospital With Carbon Monoxide Poisoning In Pitt Meadows, B.C.