Police are asking any victims of a violent crime spree in Vancouver's Fairview neighbourhood after at least five women were attacked.
Cole Stanley Martin, 38, is facing multiple charges after the series of attacks Saturday, Feb. 26. During Vancouver police describe as a "40-minute crime spree" he allegedly smashed windows, chased people and assaulted at least one woman.
The earliest in the series of events was around noon when Martin, who may have been in a state of psychosis, was smashing glass at Oak Street and West Broadway near Vancouver General Hospital, according to a police press release.
He then approached a 40-year-old woman in her car and allegedly made shooting gestures, banged on her car and tried to open the door. The woman was able to drive away, while Martin initially tried chasing after.
The next incident happened in the same area when Martin allegedly chased two joggers who found refuge in an apartment building, though he continued after them, allegedly smashing the front door trying to get to them.
A woman who saw this happen was then spotted by Martin, who allegedly accosted her, cornered her and demanded her phone, police say.
Martin then allegedly approached another woman on Oak Street and assaulted her.
Police say he grabbed the 25-year-old woman by the hair and started punching her.
She was able to break free with the help of a bystander and fled to a nearby building with others.
Martin pursued them, allegedly grabbing a large piece of broken glass and brandishing it at them while chasing them through the hallways and stairwells of the building.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) arrived on the scene at this point and were able to locate Martin outside near Oak Street and West 10 Avenue.
"He was arrested following a brief struggle and taken to hospital to get treatment for glass cuts, and because officers believed he was in psychosis," police say in the press release. "The man has since been taken to jail."
As of Monday, Feb. 28, Martin is facing eight charges including two counts of assault with a weapon, one count of assault, and one count of assaulting a police officer.
The VPD's victim services team is working with all of the victims identified so far to deal with the emotional trauma from the string of attacks.
"So far investigators have identified five victims, but we believe there are more victims, and dozens of witnesses, who fled in fear before VPD officers arrived," says Const. Tania Visintin in the press release.
Among those yet to be identified are the two joggers who were cornered in the apartment building and the bystander who helped the 25-year-old woman escape Martin as he allegedly assaulted her.
"Once again, these attacks appear completely unprovoked, and they must have been terrifying for everyone involved,” says Visintin. “We believe there are more victims, and likely dozens of witnesses, who have information and cell phone video footage that can help the police investigation.”
While charges have been laid, police are still looking for witnesses. Anyone who was a victim or witness of the incident is asked to come forward, along with anyone who may have video footage of the scene between noon and 12:45 on Saturday, including dashcam footage.
