Vancouver teen slashed in face during downtown stranger attack and robbery
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) have released details about a vicious stranger attack and robbery in downtown Vancouver in the hopes it could lead to the arrest of a suspect at large.
According to the VPD, Crown Counsel has approved charges after a teen was allegedly slashed in the face with a blade while out with friends on Granville Street last month.
VPD announced that the 19-year-old victim was in the 900-block of Granville Street when two men approached him and his friends on Saturday, Aug. 8, around 3:20 a.m.
VPD
“During the encounter, a chain necklace was removed from the victim’s neck, and he was slashed,” said the VPD in a release.
“The victim suffered a five-inch slash that ran from the tip of his nose, beneath his eye, and ended near his eyebrow.”
Vancouver Police arrested 29-year-old Garret William Thomas in the city’s Downtown Eastside on Friday, Sept. 18. Investigators also executed a search warrant at Thomas’s residence on the same day.
“Thomas has been charged with one count of robbery and one count of aggravated assault,” added VPD. “He remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing.”
Police are also asking for the public’s help in identifying a second suspect involved in the incident.
Suspect in stranger attack and robbery/VPD
Investigators have released a photo of the man and are asking anyone who may have information to call the VPD’s Major Crime Section at 604-717-2541.
The VPD also recently shared information about what it called a “disturbing incident” that took place at a downtown fast-food joint.
According to a VPD release, two men were seen yelling at staff and customers at a downtown fast-food restaurant, and they claimed to be part of a gang.
VPD pointed out that the video was shared on social media.
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Based on the various social media accounts that have shared the video, the incident took place at Burger Crush on Nelson Street. In the video, you see some men shouting and yelling at staff.
Police received a report that two men entered the restaurant and damaged property. The two men left before officers arrived.
“We understand there is significant public interest in this incident. It is disturbing and unacceptable, not just to police, but to the staff and patrons of the restaurant,” said VPD Inspector Erin Roulston in a release.