VPD warns public of sexual assault involving South Vancouver art instructor

Vancouver Police are warning the public about a sexual assault on a child last month by an art instructor who operates out of his home in South Vancouver.

"This is a very disturbing incident where a child was left under the care of an adult and that adult allegedly took advantage of her," says Constable Tania Visintin, VPD.

On March 22, it is alleged that 50 year-old Shao Zhai Chen, while teaching art classes out of his home near East 64th Avenue and Prince Edward Street, sexually assaulted a nine-year-old student.

Chen is Asian and five feet eight inches tall. He has black and white hair and wears glasses.

Chen is charged with one count of sexual assault, one count of sexual interference and one count of invitation to sexual touching.

Chen has a condition not to have any contact with persons under the age of 16 unless in the presence of their parents or in the presence of another adult approved of by the bail supervisor.

"Investigators are concerned there may be other children that have attended Chen’s residence and could have more information or be of assistance to this investigation," adds Constable Visintin.

Anyone with information is asked to call VPD investigators at 604-717-0604.