Man arrested after two violent overnight robberies targeting women

One man has been arrested following two violent overnight robberies in Vancouver.

The first robbery happened around 8:00 last night. A 56 year old Vancouver woman was walking through a lane in the area of Victoria Drive and East 35th Avenue when she was attacked by a man. The man allegedly punched the woman in the head, knocked her to the ground and pulled the woman’s purse from her hands before fleeing onto Victoria Drive.

The woman, disoriented and injured, made her way to Victoria Drive where she was assisted by a Good Samaritan.

She was taken to a nearby medical clinic for treatment and then to hospital due significant injuries to her face and head.

The second robbery happened shortly after midnight. An 18 year old Vancouver woman was walking along Slocan Street in the area of East 29th Avenue when she was approached by a man who asked her for the time. As she reached for her mobile phone, the man reportedly punched her in the face multiple times before grabbing her purse and phone.

The man was last seen running south on Slocan in the area of Norquay Street.

The second woman was assisted by a driver from the Coast Mountain Bus Company. She suffered injuries to her face and head, and was taken to hospital for treatment.

A short time later, patrol officers, acting on a hunch, attended a nearby home to speak to a possible suspect. When officers arrived at the home, they found a man who matched the descriptions provided by both robbery victims.

The suspect, a 35 year old Vancouver man, was arrested for the two robberies and was taken to the Vancouver Jail, where he currently remains, pending the recommendation of criminal charges.

Both women have since been released from hospital and are recovering at home.

Source: VPD | Image: Creatista / Shutterstock