A man is being arrested by a Transit Police officer

March 21, 2024

Transit Police make arrest following unprovoked attack

New Westminster – Metro Vancouver Transit Police have made an arrest and charges have been approved by Crown Counsel, following an unprovoked assault on a 70-year-old man in Vancouver.

On March 11, 2024, just before 3:00 p.m., a senior was waiting on the platform to board a SkyTrain at Granville Station in Vancouver. He heard yelling from behind him, but didn’t respond. As a train came to a stop in the station, the man was grabbed from behind and violently pushed forward.

The force of the push caused the victim to hit the train head first and fall to the ground. Several passengers then intervened, placing themselves between the victim and the suspect, preventing the suspect from approaching the victim while he lay on the ground.

The suspect ran out of the station while a witness called 9-1-1. When police officers arrived on scene, they administered first aid until BC Ambulance Service arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he received treatment for head and facial injuries, which required surgery.

The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Tyler Meetoos of no fixed address, was arrested by Transit Police several days later, thanks to evidence from the scene and witness reports. Charges of Assault Causing Bodily Harm have been approved by Crown Counsel and the suspect was released from custody by the courts with several conditions, including a “No-Go” to all SkyTrain Stations in the province of British Columbia. Meetoos’ next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, March 28, 2024.

“This was a terrifying ordeal for everyone involved, and making a timely arrest was a priority for Transit Police. We would like to thank the people who witnessed this horrific assault, placed themselves between the victim and aggressor, called for help, and took time out of their day to give detailed statements to officers.” – Constable Amanda Steed

Anyone who experiences or witnesses a crime on or near transit is asked to report it. Call 604.515.8300 or text 87.77.77 for Transit Police. Always call 9-1-1 in an emergency.