Close X
Monday, November 25, 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

    B.C. Introduces Changes To Modernize Voting

    B.C. Introduces Changes To Modernize Voting
    Proposed amendments to the Election Act will pave the way for the use of modern technology to make voting in provincial elections faster and easier, encourage young people to vote and introduce other improvements to the electoral process.

    B.C. Introduces Changes To Modernize Voting

    Vancouver Woman Charged In 2018 Stabbing Death Of Husband

    Vancouver Police arrested a 25-year-old woman today following a months-long murder investigation that started in 2018.    

    Vancouver Woman Charged In 2018 Stabbing Death Of Husband

    Surrey RCMP Warn Of CRA Scams Using Police Phone Number

    Surrey RCMP Warn Of CRA Scams Using Police Phone Number
    Surrey RCMP have been advised of scam phone calls which involve fraudsters attempting to pass themselves off as employees of Canada Revenue Agency. 

    Surrey RCMP Warn Of CRA Scams Using Police Phone Number

    Man Who Kicked Burnaby Bus Door, Spat On Driver Arrested Under Mental Health Act

    With the help of Burnaby RCMP, Metro Vancouver Transit Police have identified a suspect believed to be involved in the assault of a bus operator.

    Man Who Kicked Burnaby Bus Door, Spat On Driver Arrested Under Mental Health Act

    ‘Stinking Albatross’ Of Andrew Scheer's Social Conservative Values Cost The Conservatives The Election: Peter MacKay

    OTTAWA - One-time and possible future leadership contender Peter MacKay says the "stinking albatross" of Andrew Scheer's social conservative values cost the Conservatives the election.    

    ‘Stinking Albatross’ Of Andrew Scheer's Social Conservative Values Cost The Conservatives The Election: Peter MacKay

    Supreme Court Won't Hear Appeal Of Sentence In Quebec Election Shooting

    Supreme Court Won't Hear Appeal Of Sentence In Quebec Election Shooting
    The Supreme Court of Canada won't hear Richard Henry Bain's appeal of his sentence for shooting a man on election night in Quebec seven years ago.

    Supreme Court Won't Hear Appeal Of Sentence In Quebec Election Shooting