July 14, 2020

Public’s Help Sought in Identifying Suspect in Hate Crime

New Westminster – Metro Vancouver Transit Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect who allegedly attacked a young woman and a good Samaritan in an apparent hate crime.

At approximately 3:45 pm, on May 21, 2020, a 17-year-old teenager and her mother boarded a bus near Pacific Centre Mall in Vancouver. A woman on the bus directed her attention toward the teen, who was wearing a headscarf, asking where she was from and if she was Canadian. The woman then ridiculed and mocked the teen’s ethnicity. The woman became increasingly aggressive toward the teen, stating words to the effect of “your smile is making me want to punch you in the face.” The woman then allegedly, punched the teen in the head several times. The victim’s headscarf was partially knocked off before her mother and a fellow passenger were able to separate the suspect from the teen.

The suspect, who got off the bus at Hastings St and Jackson Ave in Vancouver, was followed by the good Samaritan who called 9-1-1. When she noticed she was being followed, the suspect allegedly took off her boots and began hitting the good Samaritan. When she brandished a knife the good Samaritan backed off with the suspect running away.

The suspect is described as possibly an indigenous female, approximately 40-years-old, 5’8”, weighing approximately 140 lbs. She was wearing a black hat, dark sunglasses, dark top with the word “Pink” written on the back, blue jean shorts, black boots, carrying a distinct backpack which is silver and very reflective causing is to change colour in different lights.

There is no place for hate, racism or biases on the transit system. All passengers using our transit system have the right to travel without fear of harassment or assault. Metro Vancouver Transit Police would like to speak to anyone with information about the identity of this suspect or who witnessed this incident. Contact the Metro Vancouver Transit Police tip line at 604.516.7419 or text us at 87.77.77 and refer to file 2020-9802.

**Note: as this suspect has now been identified, images have been removed.