Suspect arrested after allegedly smashing car window in "racist incident" in Chinatown: VPD

A man has been arrested for mischief after what police describe as a “racist incident” that took place in Chinatown.

According to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon.

A male suspect confronted two Asian women in a parked car near East Pender and Columbia streets, near the Pender Gates of Chinatown.

While they were in the car, the suspect reportedly yelled obscenities at them. He then smashed the window while they still inside, using a chisel he carried in his backpack.

Police were called shortly after and, thanks to the help of witnesses, the suspect was arrested.

• See also: 
  • Chinatown’s Millenium Gate defaced with racist graffiti
  • “It is unacceptable”: Horgan addresses racist incidents in BC
  • Another anti-Asian attack in Vancouver, except the victim wasn’t Asian

“This was a random, unprovoked incident and would have been very terrifying for the victims,” says Sergeant Aaron Roed, VPD. “It was particularly concerning for responding officers, considering the anti-Asian crime and incidents we have seen in Vancouver recently.”

Sgt. Roed adds that while it’s fortunate that neither of the women were hurt, they’ll both have to deal with the aftermath of what took place.

“We are very pleased that these two individuals were not physically hurt,” he said during a press conference. “But they are gonna have to deal with a traumatic incident.”

The suspect was taken to jail and released with the requirement to appear in court at a later date. VPD investigators are also working to prepare a package to present to Crown Counsel.