An investigation into a sexual act that occurred in Gastown has led to charges being laid against a male suspect.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) stated on April 2 that a woman was walking to a building near Carrall and East Cordova streets around 7 a.m. on March 31.

But as she continued on her way, a man approached her and used aggressive language.

As she went to the destination, the man began following her.

When she was able to get indoors and close the door behind her, she called police.

The suspect then exposed himself and behaved in an aggressive manner.

“The victim in this file did exactly what we advise everyone to do when they feel unsafe or afraid,” VPD spokeperson Const. Tania Visintin explained in a news release. “She got to a place of safety and called police right away.  From that, we were able to arrest the suspect within minutes.”

The VPD stated that 31-year-old Christopher Larsen has been charged with an indecent act and resisting or obstructing an officer during their duties.

Larsen was taken into custody where he will remain until he appears in court. 

This incident follows news reports about a woman who filmed a man following her through Downtown Vancouver for about 40 minutes during the day until she asked a group of skateboarders to sit with them on March 17. Although a male suspect was arrested, the woman thought it was the wrong person, according to reports.

Meanwhile, another woman was reported to have experienced something similar near Chinatown, and other victims have reported incidents to police.