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UPDATE: Langley man in custody for sex assault on 70-year-old woman

Late on Friday, Sept. 4, the RCMP announced an arrest in the case of sexual assault against a senior citizen.
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The Surrey RCMP has released photos from a Brookswood bank of a man wanted in connection with a sexual assault in Cloverdale Aug. 12.

PHOTO: The police would like to hear from anyone with knowledge of the recent movements of Stephen Thomas Morse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A 42-year-old Langley man has been charged for the sexual assault and robbery of a 70-year-old woman Aug. 12 in her south Cloverdale home.

The Surrey RCMP announced Stephen Thomas Morse has been charged with aggravated sexual assault, forcible confinement, break and enter, robbery, disguise with intent, and use of imitation firearm.

The RCMP credited tips from the public with helping identify the suspect.

The RCMP Serious Crime Unit has released a photo of Morse in case anyone has information about his whereabouts prior to the Aug. 12 incident or in the time from Aug. 12 to his arrest Sept. 4, explained Surrey RCMP Cpl. Scotty Schumann.

Shortly after noon Aug. 12, a woman returned to her South Surrey home after being out for the morning.

Shortly after she arrived home, a male entered the home in the 16700 block of 28th Avenue and presented a weapon. He confined the woman by restraining her.

The male demanded cash and other items, however, the woman was not able to meet his demands, RCMP said.

“The male proceeded to both physically and sexually assault the woman causing significant injuries. The male eventually departed with only a few items,” said Surrey RCMP Sgt. Dale Carr.

She was able to free herself from the restraints shortly before 2 p.m. and took refuge at a neighbour’s home where she called the police.

On Aug. 13, the RCMP released photos of an unusual looking man using the RBC Bank in Brookswood in connection with this case.

Security cameras at the Brookswood RBC, located at 20059 40th Ave. show the suspect using the ATM at approximately 1:57 p.m. on Aug. 12.

“The Surrey RCMP has released these photographs of the suspect to seek the public’s assistance in furthering the police investigation into these serious crimes,” says Cpl. Scotty Schumann.  “We’re hopeful someone will recognize this man and notify police.”

At the time Schumann added the man wasn’t using his own bank resources, otherwise identification would have been straight forward.

In mid August, the RCMP was working on several tips.

“On behalf of the Surrey RCMP I would like to thank the victim, her family, and the entire community for their tremendous support and assistance in advancing this investigation,” said Surrey Chief Superintendent Bill Fordy. “This type of crime is repulsive and I’d like to also acknowledge the men and women that work at this detachment who worked relentlessly to advance this important investigation.”

The investigation is still ongoing and as such, no further information can be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.  An update on the investigation will be provided to the public and media after the Labour Day weekend.

The RCMP would still like to hear from anyone with information about this case. Contact the Surrey detachment on the non-emergency line at 604-599-0502. People can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers. Call 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca. Quote file number 2015-115727.



Heather Colpitts

About the Author: Heather Colpitts

Since starting in the news industry in 1992, my passion for sharing stories has taken me around Western Canada.
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