A 33-year-old man from New Westminster is likely facing multiple charges after a violent assault on a Vancouver SkyTrain last week.
The incident happened just after midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 17, according to the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, when three women boarded a SkyTrain at the Main Street-Science World Station.
They sat down in seats directly across from the man. Soon, he allegedly started recording them on his phone, making them uncomfortable.
One of the women confronted him and asked him to stop, according to police. It was at this point the man allegedly jumped from his seat and punched her in the face.
"He then grabbed the hair of the second woman, placed her in a headlock, and attempted to kick her multiple times," state police in a news release. "The third woman tried to free her and was allegedly bit on the hand by the suspect."
A bystander stepped in at this point to help the women. The suspect allegedly bit him on the arm, but the distraction allowed the three women to get free.
Meanwhile, someone else pressed the emergency strip that alerts the SkyTrain's control office. As the SkyTrain arrived at Joyce-Collingwood station, passengers attempted to keep the man on the train, but he was able to disembark.
However, transit police officers arrived at the scene shortly after and were able to locate the man.
"A suspect was arrested not far from the station by responding officers. We are recommending a number of assault and assault causing bodily harm charges," says Const. Peter Kwok in an email to Vancouver Is Awesome.
Those allegedly assaulted were treated at the scene; police say one had injuries to their nail bed and the others were bruised and had soft tissue injuries.
"Although Transit Police never recommend that anyone put themselves into harm’s way, we would like to thank the bystanders who helped this group of young women. Their actions help to send a very clear message that violence on transit will never be tolerated," says Const. Amanda Steed in a press release.
Multiple counts of assault and assault causing bodily harm are being recommended by police.
A social media post by local real estate agent Connie Tobias shows a short video clip of the alleged encounter, in which a man tries to grasp the phone recording him. V.I.A. confirmed with police that the man in the clip is the same person they arrested.
In an update, Tobias, who claims to be an aunt to one of the girls, says the three girls are traumatized.
"The one girl that had her thumb 'chewed' did require surgery and tetanus shots. They were able to save her thumb but not the nail section," she writes on Instagram.
This story was updated with new information from Metro Vancouver Transit Police on Aug. 23, 2022.
