Police apprehended a 27 year-old UBC student in an attempted sexual assault by Totem Park Residence last night.
According to Director of Campus Security, Barry Eccleton, campus security and the RCMP responded to a call about the assault shortly before 1 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Eccleton described the assault as violent. “[The victim] was attacked from behind and put in a chokehold and the assailant attempted to drag her into the bushes,” he said. The victim eventually managed to free herself and run into the residence buildings before help arrived.
According to Eccleton, as of 5 p.m. the suspect was speaking before a judge at the Richmond Provincial Courthouse. He is being charged with sexual assault and assaulting a police officer.
A broadcast email from Chad Hyson, the Associate Director of Student Conduct & Safety, stated that the RCMP have confirmed that the assault is unrelated to the sexual assaults in 2013 or the recent assaults on south campus in February.
In a written statement to The Ubyssey, Totem Park Residence Life Manager Patrick Grydziuszko said that Student Housing and Hospitality Services staff have connected with residents who may have been affected to offer them support. "Residents are welcome to speak with their Residence Advisor or Residence Life Manager if they would benefit from a listening ear or assistance connecting with campus resources," he wrote. Continuing support is available to residents through campus resources including Counselling Services and SASC.