25 year old man arrested in random serious sexual assault in Strathcona

One man is in custody after a serious sexual assault at a home in Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood.

Shortly after noon today, a man armed with a weapon entered a home in the 800-block of Hawks Avenue and confronted the woman inside. The suspect, who is not known to the victim, attacked her, tied her up and sexually assaulted her.

A witness heard the woman’s screams and entered the home. A struggle ensured and the victim managed to escape. The Good Samaritan held the suspect as others came to help, and officers who were nearby rushed to take him into custody.

The victim was taken to hospital with significant injuries. Allegedly, he cut off two of the victim's fingers as well as cut her throat and gashed her skull. The suspect remains in custody and police will be recommending several charges.