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Vancouver police release video of alleged hate crime, spitting assault

Click to play video: 'Attack in Vancouver coffee shop investigated as hate crime'
Attack in Vancouver coffee shop investigated as hate crime
WATCH: Vancouver Police are asking for public assistance to identify a woman who dumped coffee on and spat on a group of Arabic-speaking men in a coffee shop. Paul Johnson reports – Apr 14, 2023

A woman was seemingly caught on video spitting on a stranger in a Vancouver coffee shop and police say they’re investigating a possible hate crime.

Friday, Vancouver police released images of the suspect and a video of the incident in hopes of furthering its investigation with help from the public.

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“This kind of assault is humiliating and degrading,” Const. Tania Visintin said.

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“Every indication is that the victim was singled out because of his language and ethnicity.”

The woman allegedly spat on the man for speaking Arabic on Feb. 26 around 10:45 p.m., police said.

Click to play video: 'Vancouver police release video of suspected hate crime, spitting assault'
Vancouver police release video of suspected hate crime, spitting assault

The victim, a 38-year-old man, was with a group of friends, playing cards inside a cafe near West 4 Avenue. The friends were conversing when the suspect approached them, police said.

“When one of the men told her they were speaking Arabic, the woman allegedly made a racial comment, poured coffee on their table, and walked out,” Visintin said.

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“She returned later, walked up to the same group, and spat in the victim’s face.”

Anyone with information can contact Vancouver police at 604-717-4021.

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