Vancouver Police Arrest Woman After One of Three Stranger Attacks Reported in a Single Day

The three attacks

Around 6 a.m. at Victory Square (West Hastings Street): a 73-year-old woman queuing to return bottles for deposit was punched in the eye and knocked down by a woman, who stole her bag of recyclables and fled east on West Hastings (near Cambie Street). Around 12:30 p.m. at Commercial Drive and Adanac Street (East Vancouver): a 44-year-old man walking while on the phone was subjected to racial slurs by a man, then elbowed in the chin and punched and kicked; nearby construction workers intervened. Suspect: dark-skinned, in his 40s, about 5-foot-7, slim build, wearing a grey shirt, khaki pants, white shoes and a green sling backpack. Around 6:20 p.m. at Burrard Street and West Georgia Street (downtown): a 33-year-old man was attacked from behind while walking; the suspect fled east. Suspect: Black, about 5-foot-9, short hair, black beard, wearing a green winter jacket and a black backpack.

The arrest

After the VPD released surveillance video on October 16, a City of Vancouver employee recognized the Victory Square suspect and called police; a 33-year-old Vancouver woman was arrested, released on an undertaking, and will appear in court at a later date. The senior victim was taken to hospital and is in stable condition. VPD spokesperson Megan Lui said: "In all three of these incidents the victims did nothing wrong." The VPD is asking witnesses to call 604-717-3321.

Sources

Vancouver Police Department news release (2026-10-16); Postmedia/Vancouver Sun reporting.