A 23-year-old Coquitlam man is facing aggravated assault charges in connection with an unprovoked attack in October 2015 that left a man with permanent brain damage.
The victim, Joshua Albertson, was walking home with his wife and some friends along Granville Street at about 2:40 a.m. on Oct. 25. Police say they passed two groups of men, outside the Roadhouse Bar, and a pair of limousines parked on Smithe Street in downtown Vancouver.
Police say the two groups were involved in a confrontation over hiring one of the limos, but for some reason their attention turned to the victim walking with his wife, who were in no way associated to these men. The 34-year-old Albertson was then ‘sucker-punched’ in the face and knocked unconscious. When he fell, he struck his head on the concrete, causing severe injuries and brain damage.
He was rushed to hospital where he underwent surgery to relieve the pressure in his head and a portion of his brain tissue was removed.
Police did arrest a 23-year-old man in his Coquitlam home on Nov. 18 for the assault but was released, pending further investigation.
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On Nov. 26, police appealed to the public for more information that would provide evidence in the investigation. As a result of that appeal, Crown Counsel has now laid one charge of aggravated assault against the 23-year-old man.
Due to a publication ban, police will not be releasing the name of the person charged.
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