Vancouver – The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is asking for the public’s help to identify suspects in three unprovoked stranger assaults that occurred across the city on Thursday.

INCIDENT 1

 

At approximately 6:10 a.m. at Victory Square, 200 West Hastings Street, a 73-year-old woman was waiting in line for a recycling cup program when a suspect approached and attempted to steal bags containing her recyclable cups. When the victim tried to stop the theft, the suspect punched her in the eye, pushed her to the ground, and stole one of the bags before fleeing eastbound on West Hastings Street near Cambie Street. The victim was transported to hospital in stable condition.

The suspect is described as a white woman in her 30s, with shoulder-length dirty-blonde hair with blonde highlights. She was wearing a black jacket, with white sweater underneath, black pants, and white shoes.

“We are releasing CCTV images of the suspect and a potential witness in the hopes that someone may recognize them and come forward with more information,” says Superintendent Phil Heard.

 

INCIDENT 2

 

Shortly before 12:30 p.m. near Commercial Drive and Adanac Street, a 44-year-old man was talking on the phone when he was approached by a man who began making racist remarks. After the victim told the suspect to leave him alone, the man elbowed him in the chin before punching and kicking him. The assault ended when witnesses intervened. The suspect was last seen walking southbound on Commercial Drive.

He is described as a dark-skinned man between 40-50 years-old, approximately five foot seven inches tall, with a slim build. He was wearing a grey dress shirt, tan pants, white shoes, and a green cross-body bag.

 

INCIDENT 3

 

At approximately 6:20 p.m. near Burrard and West Georgia, a 33-year-old resident was walking westbound when a man walking in the opposite direction suddenly struck him on his back. They briefly exchanged words before the suspect fled eastbound on West Georgia Street.

He is described as a Black man, approximately five feet nine inches tall, with short black hair and a black beard. He was wearing a green winter jacket and carrying a black backpack.

“We are asking anyone who witnessed any of these assaults, has CCTV footage, or can help identify any of the suspects to contact Vancouver Police at 604-717-3321,” says Heard.