Vancouver woman fears for safety after assault suspect released

A 60-year-old Vancouver woman says she was the victim of a random assault Thursday afternoon in the Downtown Eastside.

Bethan Jones said she had just bought groceries at No Frills to make sandwiches for homeless people when she crossed East Hastings Street at Clark Drive at about 1:30 p.m. She said a man confronted her while she was on the phone, used profanity and struck her before leaving.

Luke Gaskin, owner of Good Old Wood, said he witnessed the incident and followed the suspect until police arrested him a few blocks away. Jones was treated in hospital for a badly bruised cheekbone.

Kurtis Hummer, 36, has been charged with assault causing bodily harm and was released hours later with conditions. They include staying away from East Hastings Street between Vernon and McLean drives and having no contact with Jones or Gaskin. Police said Hummer has prior convictions for theft, break and enter and breaching conditions on Vancouver Island, and has come to police attention several times, mainly in Vancouver. Jones said she fears he may hurt her or someone else.