B.C. sexual assault suspect allegedly used Facebook ad to lure victim

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A New Westminster man is facing four charges of sexual assault after allegedly luring women into private spaces on the promise of work.

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In early December, a woman responded to an ad posted in a Facebook group “encouraging women to apply for housekeeping work.” After the interview, the man allegedly sexually assaulted her at a home in the 800-block of Ontario Street.

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Police say the alleged assaults happened at the home and at the suspect’s workplace in a neighbouring municipality.

New Westminster police arrested Mark Anthony Bernardo and he has since been released on “strict and protective court-ordered conditions.”

“We encourage anyone with information or concerns to come forward,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver in a news release. “We understand the challenges victims face in reporting such incidents and want to reassure the public that we take these matters very seriously and resources and support are available.”

The New Westminster Police Department’s major crime unit is working with the victim assistance unit and counsellors on the case in an effort to provide a “victim-centred approach and a trauma-informed practice.”

Anyone with information or who might have been a victim of a similar offence is asked to call New West police at 604-529-2430.

Man injured in targeted shooting in Mission

A man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a targeted shooting in Mission.

At about 10 a.m. Saturday, Mission RCMP were called to Duncan Avenue and Wren Street.

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“Limited information is available at this time, however, it appears the shooting was targeted and the general public is not believed to be at risk,” said police in a statement.

No suspects are in custody. Anyone with information or surveillance footage from the area is asked to call Mission RCMP at 604-820-3548.

Man jailed for breaching non-contact order with those under 16

A man with court-ordered conditions not to talk to anyone under 16 has been taken into custody.

On Thursday at about 5:15 p.m., Port Moody police were called to a bus stop near Moody Centre SkyTrain Station after a witness reported an adult male “making inappropriate sexual advances towards a female youth.”

The man was arrested and will remain in jail while charges are being forwarded to Crown counsel.

“We want to commend the member of the public who aided the youth and reported this to police immediately,” said Port Moody police Const. Sam Zacharias. “Anyone who may have additional information is asked to contact us.”

Nelson police shoot at but miss knife-wielding man

A 24-year-old Nelson man has been charged with assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest and possessing a weapon after a wild night on Dec. 21.

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Nelson Police Department spokesman Sgt. Dan Markevich said police were called to a local hotel at 11 p.m. Friday after reports a knife-wielding man was acting erratically.

“As police officers arrived, the male was observed running from the hotel,” said Markevich. “Officers pursued the male and an interaction between the officers and suspect took place in the 300-block of Ward Street in front of Nelson City Hall.”

“During the interaction, the male refused to follow police commands to drop the object in his hand, which was believed to be a knife. A conducted energy weapon (Taser) was deployed but was not effective. The suspect then charged at police. One officer discharged one shot from his service pistol but the suspect was not struck or injured. The suspect was taken into custody with the assistance of civilians in the area.”

The man remains in custody pending a bail hearing.

jruttle@postmedia.com

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