October 17, 2024

Charges approved after Transit Police arrest teenagers for violent assaults in Surrey

New Westminster – Three teenage girls who were arrested by Metro Vancouver Transit Police after committing two separate violent attacks on transit have now been charged with two counts of Assault Causing Bodily Harm and Assault.

This first alleged assault took place at approximately 9:00 p.m. on July 11, 2024. A 16-year-old homestay student caught the attention of the three suspects on board a SkyTrain when she reached out her arm to prevent one of them from prying open the doors as the train travelled from Columbia Station, across the bridge, into Surrey. The suspects encircled the student and allegedly punched her, kicked her and dragged her by her hair. The student was able to get help thanks to passengers on board the train and two SkyTrain Attendants at Surrey Central Station who called police and an ambulance. The student was taken to Surrey Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Just after midnight, on the same night, the teen suspects boarded a transit bus at 160^th Street and 100^th Avenue where the group surrounded an 18-year-old woman following a verbal exchange. The suspects allegedly punched and kicked the victim, and pulled out clumps of her hair. The bus was stopped, and police were called. Officers from Surrey Police Service and Transit Police arrived on scene and identified all individuals involved.

The three suspects – a 13-year old girl from Surrey, a 15-year old girl from Abbotsford and a 17-year old girl from Surrey – who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, have now each been charged with Assault Causing Bodily Harm and Assault; two of the girls have also received an additional Assault charge. All three are currently in the custody of their respective guardians, awaiting their upcoming court appearance.

“Transit Police would never ask that anyone place themselves in harm’s way, but we need to acknowledge the bravery and selflessness of the bystanders who attempted to help both of these young women, as well as the transit staff who called for help. We encourage anyone who feels unsafe on transit to text us at 87.77.77, or to call 911 if they sense that they are in immediate danger” – Constable Amanda Steed