Photo: RCMP

Leonardo B French, 74

Richmond RCMP are investigating after a man is alleged to have molested a young girl on a city bus.

Cpl. Dennis Hwang said on May 15, shortly before 5:50 p.m., police responded to an area near the 5000 block Granville Avenue for a report of a sexual assault that occurred onboard a Coast Mountain transit bus.

“Police received information that a suspect on the bus had been observed allegedly groping a young girl. The suspect was described as an overweight Caucasian male, possibly in his 60s, wearing a white shirt and tie, blue hat and dark pants. Two Good Samaritans followed the suspect after he exited the bus. The Coast Mountain bus driver was also instrumental in assisting the victim until police arrived,” said Hwang.

The victim was shaken, but physically unharmed.

About 10 minutes later, Richmond RCMP located and arrested the suspect nearby. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Leonardo B French, 74, from Richmond, has been charged with:

One count of sexual assault
One count of sexual touching of a person under 16 years of age
French is also known as Leonardo Da Vancouver and Victor Leonard Boudreau.

“He is well-known to police and is known to use public transit. Richmond RCMP believe there may be additional victims, possibly using public transit who have not already contacted police,” said Hwang.

“If you believe that you or someone you know has been a victim of a crime involving French, please contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212. Ask for the General Investigative Section and quote file 2018-14907.”