RCMP arrest 2 men on UBC campus, investigate allegations of sex assault

RCMP officers at UBC rushed to an apartment building early Saturday morning and arrested two men involved in a suspected break and enter along with sexual assault.

Just after 2:15 a.m. PT, University RCMPreceived a report of a break and enter in progress at an apartment building in the 5700 block of Birney Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers arrested two men outside of the complex.

"While the investigation remains in its preliminary stages, police can confirm that they are investigating allegations of sexual assault," wrote Sgt. Annie Linteau in a release. "The suspects and the victims are not known to each other."

• UBC warns students after man attempts to break into residence lounge
• Sexual assault reported at UBC may be related to campus prowler, police say

In an interview with CBC News while on campus Saturday afternoon,Linteauwouldnot say who was in the apartment at the time of the incident but that they are receiving "support."

"Our investigators will also be looking at whether or not this latest incident may be related to a previous series of suspicious incidents that have occurred since March of 2016," she added.

There have been several "night prowler events" reported at UBC where a man was seen lurking in bathrooms and bedrooms.

The most recent incident before these arrests was on Friday, April 1, when UBC sent a warning email to students who live on campus after a man attempted to break into a resident lounge where a female student was studying.

"We understand that these type of events are very distressing to the community," said Linteau. "We are pleased to say that two suspects are in custody but we understand that even if they are in custody, it is distressing and we ask the public to just follow some basic safety precautions."

Officers are asking anyone with information related to the arrests to call UniversityRCMPat (604) 224-1322.