Woman grabbed and tossed to ground by thug in Vancouver’s West End

Random attack has Vancouver police concerned

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Vancouver police have released surveillance video footage of a man they say tackled a woman walking alone in Vancouver’s West End on Saturday night.

“This unprovoked attack is extremely concerning,” said Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison.

“It happened in a busy neighbourhood and targeted a woman who was minding her own business. We’re asking anyone with information to contact police immediately.”

Addison said the 24-year-old victim had been shopping on Davie Street and was walking home at around 9:40 p.m. when the attack occurred in Maxine Lane — the south lane of Burnaby Street.

“She was walking in the lane, between Bute and Thurlow streets, when a man grabbed her from behind. Both fell to the ground and the victim started to scream,” Addison said.

The victim’s screams likely scared off the attacker, who ran back toward Bute Street. The victim was not physically hurt.

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“Every indication is that this attack was unprovoked, and we believe the victim did not know the suspect,” Addison said.

The suspect is believed to be white, about 5-feet-11 and in his mid 40s. He was wearing a waist-length black leather jacket, dark pants and a dark COVID-19 mask.

On Tuesday, Vancouver police released surveillance footage of the suspect.

“This investigation has undoubtedly created concern in the community,” said VPD Const. Tania Visintin. “We want to identify this individual as soon as possible. Investigators ask everyone to take a good look at this footage, and to call us if they know who this is.”

Police also released a description of the victim, “in case it helps anyone remember anything that could help in the investigation.”

She is described as white, five feet, eight inches, and slim, with long brown hair. She was wearing UGG boots, black yoga pants, and a black winter jacket with a fur-lined hood.

Police ask anyone with information to immediately call VPD’s Special Investigations Section at 604-717-0602, or call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8466.