Vancouver police seek witnesses after downtown incident, man charged

Vancouver police are asking for additional witnesses following an incident in the city’s downtown business district last month that led to charges against a 47-year-old man.

According to a Vancouver Police Department news release, officers responded around 7:20 p.m. on March 25 to Granville Street between Dunsmuir and Pender streets after receiving reports of a man yelling at people in the area. Police said the man was arrested at the scene and remains in custody.

Investigators have identified the accused as Derek Jason Sangris, who is charged with one count of sexual assault and unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon. The charges have not been proven in court.

Police are asking anyone who was in the area at the time, witnessed the incident, or was affected to contact investigators. Information can be provided by calling 604-717-0604.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not released further details about the circumstances leading to the charges.