Vancouver police arrest suspect in unprovoked stranger assault downtown

Vancouver Police have arrested a man in connection with an unprovoked stranger assault outside the Vancouver Art Gallery.

At approximately 2 p.m. today, Vancouver Police Department (VPD) District 5 officers conducting proactive patrols near Main Street and East Hastings Street spotted a man who closely matched the description of the suspect in the October 30 incident.

The man was arrested and taken to jail as investigators continue gathering evidence.

The assault occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. on October 30, when a 27-year-old woman was walking in front of the 800 block of West Georgia Street. An unknown man allegedly kicked her in the upper arm and punched her in the upper body without warning.

Several bystanders intervened to stop the attack, prompting the suspect to flee westbound along West Georgia Street. The victim fortunately did not suffer any physical injuries.

Vancouver Police had earlier appealed to witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to help identify the suspect.