VPD seeks witnesses and video after two weekend assaults in the Downtown Eastside

The Vancouver Police Department is appealing for video evidence to help investigate two separate violent incidents in the Downtown Eastside over the weekend.

Just after 2 p.m. Friday, a female tourist was randomly pushed from behind into traffic near Carrall Street and East Pender Street. She was not injured. The suspect fled before police arrived. Police describe the suspect as an Indigenous woman aged 40 to 50, about 5-foot-8 with a medium build, medium complexion and sunken cheeks, and lip piercings. She was wearing a black toque, black jacket, black pants and black combat boots.

At about 11:40 p.m. Sunday, a man was stabbed multiple times in the neck near Main Street and East Hastings Street. His injuries were later determined to be non-life-threatening. The suspect remains at large. Police describe him as a Caucasian man aged 30 to 40, about 6 feet tall, stocky and bald, wearing an orange shirt and tan pants.

Constable Darren Wong said people in the Downtown Eastside are often reluctant to come forward as witnesses. He said both incidents happened in areas with limited video surveillance. Footage can help identify suspects and protect victims when witnesses are too afraid to speak up.

Both incidents remain under investigation. Police are asking anyone who witnessed either incident, as well as motorists who may have relevant dash-cam footage from the areas at the times listed, to call the Vancouver Police Department’s non-emergency line at 604-717-3321.