Strathcona assault victim drawing thousands in donations
People in Vancouver's Strathcona neighbourhood have donated close to $27,000 to an on-line donation site for the victim of a brutal sexual assault that happened Thursday.
"It's horrible what happened," said Strathcona resident Lisa Binkley. "But I really don't know what other neighbourhood in the city that would have people react immediately to help somebody and there's a lot of crime and issues down in this area and I think that people who live here are aware of that and we look out for each other."
More than 500 people donated to the gofundme.com site called "Strathcona Cares" in the span of one day. An update on the site says that the "outpouring of support from neighbours, friends and complete strangers has been overwhelming." The money is to be used to support the victim in her recovery from the attack.
"There's an unspoken sense of inclusiveness," said Alan Zisman who has lived in Strathcona for five years. He donated $50.
Neighbourhood shocked by attack
A man armed with a weapon barged into the woman's house just after 12 p.m. PT Thursday, tied her up and sexually assaulted her.
The victim was rescued by residents who heard her cries and intervened.
Caleb Timothy Heaton, 25, faces seven charges in connection to the assault. Court documents show the charges include aggravated sexual assault, breaking and entering, robbery and unlawful confinement.
According to police, the suspect has a criminal record outside of B.C.
Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu said police are working hard to compile "the strongest case we can" against the suspect in custody.
The woman, who witnesses said was covered in blood following the attack, is recovering in hospital from serious injuries, according to police.
Around 250 people in the community walked in solidarity for the victim Friday night.
"This is a great neighbourhood, that's all that I can say," said resident Lisa Robison. "It's the magical spirit of Strathcona, we don't let each other down."
