Vancouver – Vancouver Police have released video of a violent and unprovoked assault on Commercial Drive last month, and are asking the public to help identify the attackers.
“This is another disturbing assault that appears to have occurred without provocation,” says Constable Tania Visintin. “We believe this incident may have been motivated by hate, and we’re asking anyone who recognizes the people in this video to contact our investigators.”
The attack occurred outside a convenience store near Commercial Drive and 10th Avenue in the early hours of July 31. Shortly after midnight, a 42-year-old man stopped off to buy a slurpee after celebrating Pride Week events downtown. There was a brief verbal confrontation between the man and another person who was waiting in line, and when the victim left the store he was jumped by three men.
“The victim had a drink thrown at him, was knocked to the ground, and was repeatedly punched and kicked by three men, while two women watched from a distance,” adds Constable Visintin. “After the attack, the men and women left together, leaving the injured victim on the side of the road.”
Vancouver Police immediately responded, and are now investigating the attack as a possible hate crime. Investigators have so far been unable to identify the men and women in the video, and are asking the public for assistance.
“The video shows a number of people passing through the area, including people in cars and a cyclist who stopped to help but did not remain on scene when police arrived,” adds Constable Visintin. “We’re also asking these people to come forward to tell us what they saw and heard, so we can fully understand what happened.”
The suspects are three men who appear to be in their 20s. One man was wearing a black t-shirt and black pants, with back shoes that had orange markings. The two men were wearing white t-shits and dark short, with white shoes.
Anyone who witnessed the attack, has dash-cam video, or can identify the men and women in the video, is asked to contact Vancouver Police at 604-717-0614, or email hate.crimes@vpd.ca.
