A seven-month long investigation has led to the arrest of a 30-year-old Squamish man suspected in the sexual assault of a 16-year-old hitchhiker.
On Jan. 18, the girl hitched a ride with a man in a pick up truck on Highway 1 near Taylor Way at 9:50 p.m.
The driver proceeded north on Highway 99 until just south of Squamish where he pulled over, physically assaulted then sexually assaulted the teenager.
She was then thrown out of the vehicle with her belongings as the suspect sped off.
The suspect was described as Caucasian, in his late 20s to mid 30s male with a two-day beard growth, short, buzz-cut brownish hair, bushy eyebrows with long eyelashes, brown eyes, wearing a long sleeve white T-shirt with black sleeves, and brown work pants.
The suspect's vehicle was described as a navy blue or black late model pick up truck with extended cab with 4 X 4 sticker on the rear passenger side.
The man's identity was not released pending the Crown's support of the charges.
Police remind residents it is unsafe to hitchhike.
Drunk teen held
On Sunday (Aug. 29) at 2:30 a.m., a member on patrol observed a 16-year-old male yelling, swearing and staggering down the Government Road. The youth was found to be intoxicated and was arrested and lodged in cells until sober. A parent was contacted and the youth was released once he sobered and was issued with a violation ticket for being intoxicated in public.
Banned driver arrested
On Monday (Aug. 30) at 10:04 a.m., a member on patrol made a licence plate query of a vehicle on Queensway Avenue, which revealed the owner was a prohibited and disqualified driver. The vehicle was stopped, the 63-year-old driver was arrested and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days. The driver was released to appear in court on Oct. 6 to face a criminal code charge of driving while prohibited.
Bike stolen
On Monday (Aug. 30), a bike owner reports suspect(s) cut the lock and stole his Gary Fisher Tassa Jara Blue Mountain Bike valued at $1,200 while it was locked in an underground bike storage at Village Green Way.
