VPD investigating "serious assault" at Strathcona Park homeless camp

Vancouver police are investigating a serious assault that took place at the Strathcona Park encampment this week.

In a release on Wednesday, police said the investigation began after an unresponsive man was found in the park on Monday evening by BC Ambulance Services after an unknown person called 911.

According to a witness, “the man had been laying there for some” time before paramedics were called. Police were alerted to the assault by hospital staff after the man was transported to hospital.

“The victim is in critical but stable condition,” said VPD Const. Tania Visintin. “This is a disturbing case considering how seriously the victim was assaulted and the length of time he was laying on the ground injured without any help.”

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At this point in the investigation, police said they believe the injured victim “may have been on the ground for up to 12 hours” before the 911 call was made.

Police said the victim has dark hair and a beard, may be Caucasian or Indigenous, and is believed to be in his late 20s.

Now, police are asking anyone with information about the identity of the victim or the assault to contact them at 604-717-2541. Thos who wish to leave a tip anonymously can do so by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or by leaving a tip online.