Police search for witnesses after woman assaulted at Vancouver bus stop
Suspect struck woman with bag full of plastic bottles on May 7, police say
Vancouver police are looking to speak with anyone who saw an assault at a downtown bus stop last week.
A statement said a woman was sitting at the stop on the north side of Davie Street at Granville Street when she was assaulted. Police said a man hit her in the head with a bag filled with plastic bottles just after 3 p.m. PT on May 7.
Police responded and, with help from a bystander, arrested a 35-year-old suspect. The suspect has since been charged with assault with a weapon and has a history with police. His name was not released.
Officers believe the attack was unprovoked.
"Investigators spoke to both the victim and the witness and they don't believe this is a hate crime. We're not ruling it out completely, but we are on the path of believing this is not a hate crime," said Const. Tania Visintin.
The statement said the 28-year-old woman was unhurt. Police do not believe the public is at risk, but are looking to speak with anyone who saw what happened.
"Investigators believe there was a large crowd in the area at the time of the assault and we are pleading for those who witnessed the incident to reach out to us," said Visintin.
Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call police at 604-717-2541 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous.