Woman punched "multiple times" during attack on SkyTrain

Metro Vancouver Transit Police are asking for the public’s help in finding and identifying a suspect after a woman suffered an alleged violent attack on the SkyTrain at the hands of another passenger.

According to Transit Police Sgt. Clint Hampton, the incident took place at approximately 7:50 am on Saturday, April 25, 2020, when a young woman boarded a SkyTrain at Waterfront Station.

Hampton said the woman reported that she was approached by a man on the same train who had been staring at her. When she asked the man if something was wrong, he allegedly started yelling at her: “You people are why my daughter is sick.” He then reportedly grabbed the woman’s bag and, without warning, “allegedly punched the woman in the face multiple times.” He then continued his assault by grabbing her by the hair and back of the head, “violently hitting her head against the SkyTrain seating.”

“When the SkyTrain stopped at Burrard Station, the suspect pushed the victim through the open SkyTrain doors and grabbed her cell phone,” said Hampton. “As the victim yelled out for help, she was quickly helped by two Good Samaritans who were able to retrieve her bag from the suspect.”

The victim suffered a cut above her eye, a bloody nose, and significant swelling to her face.

The suspect allegedly threw the victim’s phone against the wall, causing it to break, and remained on the train, eventually getting off at King George SkyTrain Station.

Transit Police were contacted once the victim returned home.

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Hampton said the suspect is described as a South Asian man, 40-50 years of age, standing 5’5” to 5’7”, with a medium build and a salt and pepper beard. He was wearing a black jacket, a green hoodie, and blue jeans.

“Everyone has the right to use transit without fear of assault or harassment,” said Hampton.

As the investigation continues, Transit Police are asking anyone with information about the identity of this suspect, or who witnessed this incident, to contact them at 604-516-7419 or text 87-77-77 and refer to file 2020-8309.