17 'stranger attacks' in just 2 weeks in Vancouver, police say, releasing video of an incident
Officers are investigating an incident they say is just one of more than a dozen random assaults reported in Vancouver in the last few weeks.
Police said the incident was reported in the early morning hours of July 11, though the public was not notified until this week.
In a news release, the Vancouver Police Department said a man was walking home along Granville Street at about 3:30 a.m. that day when he was approached by a group of men.
Part of the incident was captured by a nearby security camera, according to the VPD, who released some of that video Thursday.
Police said the video shows a man pushed the victim down. Another helped the victim up, and the victim can be seen walking with the group toward a lane near Granville and Smithe Street.
The VPD said the victim was assaulted while in the lane, and his wallet was stolen.
And it does not appear to be an isolated incident.
According to VPD Const. Tania Visintin, "Stranger attacks have been prevalent in recent weeks throughout Vancouver and this is very concerning."
The constable said there have been 17 "random assaults" reported across the city in the last two weeks alone.
Three suspects are all described as South Asian and in their early 20s.
The first is about 5'10" with short hair and "large ears," the VPD said. At the time of the assault, he was wearing a white T-shirt, white pants and a green jacket, and carrying a black satchel across his chest.
Police described the second man as about 5'11" with a medium build and short dark hair. He was wearing a grey hooded sweater and black pants.
The third, according to police, is about 5'9" with curly dark brown hair, and had on a white sweater and grey sweatpants the morning of July 11.
Police are seeking witnesses, as well as anyone who may recognize the men in the video.
"This happened around the time the bars closed on Granville Street. We know there were people still out and they may have seen what happened and can identify these men," Visintin said.
"There is no excuse for anyone to get attacked for absolutely no reason."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
'We can and we must do better': First ever Air Accessibility Summit hits Ottawa
Federal ministers, airline executives and members of the disability community are gathering in Ottawa today for the first ever Air Accessibility Summit.