Man arrested after alleged assault, robbery and possible hate crime

Vancouver police have arrested a 44-year-old man after a series of alleged violent incidents near Main Street and 2nd Avenue that are being investigated as a possible hate crime.

Police say the man was panhandling outside a fast-food restaurant at about 9 a.m. on Aug. 4 when security guards asked him to leave. He allegedly threw a cup, pushed a guard and made racist comments about the guard's ethnicity and religion before striking the guard and removing the guard's turban.

A short time later, about a block away, the suspect allegedly threatened another person and demanded money. Police say the victim handed over cash, but was then allegedly struck in the head as the suspect demanded more money.

Officers tracked the suspect to a nearby residence and arrested him without incident. He was released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date. Police are recommending assault and robbery charges.

VPD patrol and hate-crime officers continue to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to call Vancouver's non-emergency line at 604-717-3321.