Police are looking for tips, witnesses and answers after a 24-year-old woman was tackled Saturday night in Vancouver's West End.
The incident happened around 9:40 p.m. Feb. 13 as she walked along Maxine Lane (the lane south of and parallel to Burnaby Street) between Bute and Thurlow streets, according to a police press release. She had been shopping on Davie Street.
While she was walking a man grabbed her from behind and the two fell to the ground.
As she was being attacked the woman screamed; police believe the screams scared the man off as he ran to Bute Street.
The woman wasn't physically injured.
"Every indication is that this attack was unprovoked, and we believe the victim did not know the suspect,” says Vancouver Police Department (VPD) Sgt. Steve Addison. “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.”
The man is believed to be white, standing about 5'11" and in his mid-40s. At the time of the attack he was wearing waist-length black leather jacket, dark pants, and a dark coronavirus mask.
Police are releasing a description of the woman as well, as they believe it will help with the investigation, according to the release.
She's described as white with long brown hair and standing about 5'8". At the time of the attack she was wearing UGG boots, black yoga pants, and a black winter jacket with a fur-lined hood.
“This unprovoked attack is extremely concerning,” says Addison. “It happened in a busy neighbourhood and targeted a woman who was minding her own business. We’re asking anyone with information to contact police immediately.”
The VPD can be reached at 604-717-0602; anonymous tips can be called into CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8466.
