Man arrested in connection with alleged SkyTrain attack

Metro Vancouver Transit Police confirm a man has been arrested for an alleged hate crime incident on SkyTrain on Sept. 28.

The man was arrested at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 7 as a result of media coverage of the incident. He has been released on a promise to appear in court on Jan. 16, 2019 at 2 p.m. in Vancouver.

WATCH: Victim of SkyTrain hate crime questions why accused was released from custody

1:34 Victim of SkyTrain hate crime questions why accused was released from custody

The suspect, a 36-year-old man, is known to police.

The incident in question took place on Sept. 28.

Police say around 2:30 p.m. that Friday, two young men, a same-sex married couple, boarded a SkyTrain at Waterfront Station. As the couple boarded the train, a man kicked the foot of one of the young men, police say. The situation escalated into an alleged altercation that left the young couple with minor injuries, police say.

Police say the victim crouched down in fear as the suspect raised his hand as if to hit him, while yelling obscenities and homophobic insults.

Another unidentified passenger pulled this suspect away from the victim, while the victim’s husband pushed the yellow emergency strip on the train. Police say the suspect became aggressive toward the victim again. There was a further altercation in which police say the suspect hit the husband in the face, knocking off his glasses.

WATCH: Police investigating possible hate crime on SkyTrain

1:32 Police investigating possible hate crime on SkyTrain

As the train pulled into Granville SkyTrain Station, police say the suspect attempted to kick one of the men in the stomach and then stepped off the train and spat in the other man’s face. The suspect continued to hurl profanities and homophobic remarks toward the couple as he walked away.

The couple was assisted by SkyTrain staff and taken to hospital for minor injuries where they were later released.

Anyone with information about the suspect or who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Metro Vancouver Transit Police tip line at 604-516-7419 or text them using code 87-77-77. Refer to file no. 2018-17964.