July 29, 2026

Transit Police make arrest after 78-year-old woman seriously injured in random assault

A suspect was arrested by Metro Vancouver Transit Police after an alleged assault in Surrey left a woman in critical condition.

Just after 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, a 78-year-old woman was walking just outside Surrey Central Station when a man walked up behind her and allegedly aggressively shoulder checked her as he passed. The woman was violently knocked to the ground during the alleged assault, hitting her head on a concrete wall and the pavement. The suspect then left the scene.

The victim sustained serious head injuries and was transported to hospital by BC Ambulance Service where she remains in stable, but critical, condition.

A man matching the description of the suspect was arrested later that evening. Evan Michael Scott Abbott has been charged with aggravated assault. He remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

“Transit Police would like to thank the two witnesses who each saw the incident unfold, called 9-1-1 and then remained on the scene to assist the victim and provide statements to police officers. We appreciate the time they took to help a stranger and assist with the investigation.” – Constable Sunny Kainth