Vancouver – A suspect has been charged in connection with two violent attacks in downtown Vancouver on Wednesday morning.
BC Prosecution Service has charged Brendan Colin McBride, 34, with one count of second-degree murder and one count of aggravated assault.
VPD officers responded at 7:38 a.m. Wednesday to reports that a man had been attacked near Richards Street and Dunsmuir, and had suffered serious injuries.
While officers were investigating that assault, a second man was fatally attacked around 7:46 a.m. near West Georgia and Hamilton Street. Despite efforts by first responders to save his life, the man died at the scene.
VPD patrol officers and members of the Emergency Response Team located and arrested a suspect shortly after 9 a.m. Wednesday near the Olympic Village.
The homicide victim has been identified as Francis David Laporte, 70. For privacy reasons, police are not releasing the name of the man who survived the attack. He remains in hospital after undergoing surgery.
McBride remains in custody. His next court appearance is September 18.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information who has not yet come forward is asked to call Vancouver Police Homicide at 604-717-2500.
