Vancouver police arrest suspect in ‘unprovoked’ attack on young woman

Vancouver police officers confirmed Thursday they have arrested a suspect in connection with a stranger attack in the West End last Saturday night.

Police said the victim, 24, had been shopping on Davie Street and was walking home around 9:40 p.m. when she was attacked in Maxine Lane. Police said the man grabbed her from behind and both fell to the ground and that’s when the victim screamed.

It appears the attack was unprovoked, police said.

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“It happened in a busy neighbourhood and targeted a woman who was minding her own business,” Sgt. Steve Addison with the Vancouver police said in a release.

Police said the victim was not physically injured and her screams likely scared the man off, who ran back towards Bute Street.

“Every indication is that this attack was unprovoked, and we believe the victim did not know the suspect,” Addison said.

Police said a 57-year-old man has now been arrested and they will be recommending charges to Crown counsel.

He was released on conditions until his court appearance.

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