A 20-year-old Quebec man residing in Whistler is facing a pair of assault charges after witnesses told police he groped a woman and punched several bystanders who stepped in to help.
Police attended a village nightclub Friday, Feb. 7, after receiving a report that a male had struck several people. Officers spoke to witnesses, who explained that the suspect had "placed his hands under a woman's skirt and grabbed her buttocks," said Whistler RCMP Staff Sgt. Steve LeClair.
Later the suspect allegedly grabbed the same woman's face and "pulled her towards him as if to kiss her," LeClair said. Several bystanders intervened and pushed the suspect away. Witnesses told police that the suspect then punched two males in the face, with one man suffering a broken nose. A third person was also reportedly struck in the face, but was not on the scene by the time officers arrived.
Police recommended charges of sexual assault and assault causing bodily harm.
Ice climber injured in 4.5-metre fall
A 36-year-old Langley man suffered multiple injuries Saturday, Feb. 8 while ice climbing in Pemberton after tumbling 4.5 metres then landing on a ledge, police said.
The man was climbing on the Green River crossing. It is believed the fall caused injuries to his head, wrist and knee, LeClair said. He's also thought to have suffered a concussion.
Pemberton Search and Rescue personnel responded and the man was airlifted to the municipal helipad before being taken to Whistler Medical Clinic.
Pemberton theft worth $20,000
Spools of copper wire were reportedly stolen from a Pemberton power station with an estimated value of $20,000 including damages, police said.
The theft is believed to have occurred sometime between Dec. 5 and Feb. 5, LeClair said. The case is still under investigation.
