A 26-year-old man has been arrested after sucker-punching a teenage exchange student in downtown Vancouver this weekend.
The 18-year-old student from Mexico was with her friend on Sunday, March 27. While walking near West Pender and Howe streets, they were allegedly approached by the suspect, according to Vancouver police.
“The victim was walking with a friend and doing nothing wrong when a man approached her, violently attacked her, and knocked her out,” says Sgt. Steve Addison in a VPD media release. “The victim had never seen the suspect before, and because the victim was looking away, she was unable to defend herself.”
During a press conference Addison noted it was unlikely the student saw her attacker before being sucker-punched.
"We believe that this man approached her either from behind or the side," he said.
Bystanders were quick to help. One was a doctor who was able to aid the teen, while others called 911. While the young woman regained consciousness and was taken to hospital as a precaution, police launched a search for the suspect after getting security footage of the alleged attacker.
“A constable patrolling the downtown core spotted the suspect walking on West Hastings Street about 40 minutes after the assault, and arrested him without incident,” says Sgt. Addison.
It's unclear if race was a motivating factor in the attack, he adds.
The victim has received treatment for physical injuries and the VPD victim services team is helping her with any psychological trauma, Addison says.
The man, who had a B.C.-wide warrant out for him already under the Mental Health Act, was arrested for assault and breaching a probation order. Addison says mental health was likely a significant factor in the attack.
The order required he "reside at a court-ordered treatment centre." He'll remain in custody until he's due in court.
