VPD search for suspect after woman grabbed, tackled in West End attack

Vancouver Police are searching for a suspect after a woman was grabbed and tackled in an unprovoked West End assault on Saturday night.

In a statement, VPD said the 24-year-old victim was shopping on Davie Street and walking home around 9:40 pm. She was grabbed from behind and attacked by a man in Maxine Lane – the south lane of Burnaby Street. The suspect and victim both fell to the ground and she began to scream.

Police say her screams likely scared off the attacker, who then ran towards Bute street.

“Every indication is that this attack was unprovoked, and we believe the victim did not know the suspect,” said Sergeant Steve Addison with VPD in a statement.

“We also think there were people in the area who may have information that can help solve this crime, and we’re appealing to those people to come forward.”

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The suspect is described as white, about 5’11”, and in his mid-40s. He was wearing a waist-length black leather jacket, dark pants, and a dark COVID-19 mask.

The victim is white, 5’8″, and slim, with long brown hair. She was wearing UGG boots, black yoga pants, and a black winter jacket with a fur-lined hood.

“We are providing a description of the victim as well, in case it helps anyone remember anything that could help in the investigation,” notes Addison.

Police ask anyone with information to immediately call VPD’s Special Investigations Section at 604-717-0602, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8466.