RCMP alerts community about alleged voyeur discovered in residence washroom

Update Monday September 24 3:40 p.m.: University RCMP has released a sketch of the suspect and is requesting community assistance in locating him.

Following an alleged voyeur incident in a student residence yesterday, university RCMP is reminding community members to contact the detachment if they witness a crime. UBC Campus Security has also issued a campus alert about this reminder.

RCMP responded just after 9:45 p.m. to a call from “a student residence at the 1900 block of Lower Mall” after a man was caught masturbating in a woman’s washroom.

The man originally entered a shower stall and began speaking to a woman showering in the shower adjacent. After another woman entered the stall and discovered he was naked, she alerted another person in the residence who told the man to dress himself.

“As they were speaking to him, the man dressed himself and departed on foot towards Lower Mall,” said RCMP Sergeant Janelle Shoihet.

The RCMP describes the man as being around 30 to early 40 years old and of South Asian or Middle Eastern background with darker skin. Standing at 5’7 to 5’8, he has an average build and curly hair, which is dark on the sides and lighter on top.

He was wearing a light-coloured hoodie or long-sleeved shirt, grey sweatpants and a small diamond or crystal earring.

Currently, the man has not been located and the RCMP urges the community to call if they have any related information or if a similar incident occurs.

According to Kurt Hienrich, UBC media relations senior director, the university is currently helping students who were involved and also in contact with the RCMP regarding the incident.

UBC also urges community members “to be aware of their surroundings,” providing a list of suggestions for students to stay safe.

• Always lock your door and windows whenever you leave your unit or when you are sleeping, even on upper floors.
• Never prop building doors open even when stepping outside for a moment.
• Do not let people you do not know follow you into your building. If they have permission to be there they have their own key or a host.
• If a crime or stranger intrusion is in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately.
• Lookout for each other. Report any suspicious incident to Campus Security at 604.822.2222, the RCMP at 604.224.1322 (non-emergency number)
• Front desk staff are additional resources in the community if you notice something that needs attention or need non-emergency assistance.

“Anytime a crime is happening, 9-1-1 should be the first call you make,” Staff Sergeant Chuck Lan, University RCMP detachment commander, said in the media release. “Time is of utmost importance in any investigation, but more especially one that is in progress.”

If you have information about this incident, or can identify this man, you are asked to contact the University RCMP at 604-224-1322.

This article has been updated to include UBC’s comment.

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