Vancouver police investigate two weekend stranger attacks, including tourist pushed into traffic

Vancouver police are investigating two incidents over the weekend. Just after 2 p.m. Friday, a female tourist was pushed from behind into traffic near Carrall Street and East Pender Street. Police say she was not injured. The suspect left before officers arrived. Investigators are seeking video to help with this case and another incident nearby on Sunday.

At about 11:40 p.m. Sunday, a man was stabbed multiple times in the neck near Main and Hastings streets. His injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening. Police say both suspects remain at large and the incidents appear to be stranger attacks.

Police describe the suspect in Friday’s incident as an Indigenous woman between 40 and 50 years old, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a medium build and complexion, sunken cheeks and lip piercings. She was wearing a black toque, black jacket, black pants and black combat boots. The suspect in Sunday’s stabbing is described as a Caucasian man between 30 and 40 years old, about six feet tall, with a stocky build and a bald head. He was wearing an orange shirt and tan pants.

“People in the Downtown Eastside are often reluctant to come forward as witnesses,” Vancouver Police Department Const. Darren Wong said in a statement. He said both incidents occurred 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. Anyone who witnessed either incident, or motorists who may have been in the area with dash-cam footage, is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Department non-emergency line at 604-717-3321.