VPD releases video of downtown stranger assault
Video shows victim walking alone on Nov. 28 when suspect suddenly attacks and pushes him to the ground
Vancouver police are seeking help identifying a suspect seen in CCTV video suddenly attacking a man walking on the sidewalk outside of the downtown Hudson's Bay store last week.
The video shows a 28-year-old man walking alone eastbound on West Georgia Street at 10:04 p.m. on Nov. 28. As he reaches a crowded bus stop, a man lunges at him, hits him in the face and pushes him to the ground.
"This was a completely unprovoked and violent sucker-punch on a total stranger," said Vancouver police spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison. "Given this level of random violence, we have serious concerns that another innocent person could be assaulted and badly injured by this suspect."
According to the VPD, the victim suffered injuries to his face but was not hospitalized.
The suspect was last seen running westbound toward Granville Street. He is described as possibly in his 20s with close-cropped dark hair and is seen in the video wearing black pants and a checkered shirt.
Bystanders helped the victim and called police, but some who were at the bus stop left before speaking to them, Addison said.
"We'd like to speak to anyone who was present in the moments prior to the assault, as well as those who helped the victim after he was attacked."
"These eyewitnesses may have important information about the suspect's behaviour and state of mind at the time of the assault."