Charges approved after alleged sexual assault in downtown Vancouver

A 47-year-old man has been charged following an alleged sexual assault in downtown Vancouver, according to a Vancouver Police Department release.

Police said officers were called at approximately 7:20 p.m. on March 25 to Granville Street between Dunsmuir and Pender streets after a woman reported she had been groped by a stranger. Witnesses also told police the same suspect had allegedly assaulted other people in the area prior to officers arriving.

The suspect was located at the scene and arrested without incident, police said.

Derek Jason Sangris, 47, has been charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon. The charges have not been proven in court. Sangris remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on April 10.

The Vancouver Police Department’s Special Investigation Section is continuing to investigate the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Vancouver police.