Suspects arrested in attack over SkyTrain mask dispute

Metro Vancouver Transit Police have arrested two suspects who allegedly attacked a woman following a dispute over masks onboard a SkyTrain.

As was reported by Transit Police, on September 20, 2021, a woman was onboard a SkyTrain travelling through Burnaby when she noticed that a man and a woman were sitting close to her, not wearing masks. The woman asked them if they had masks to wear, to which they replied with "What’s it to you?" The female suspect then allegedly struck the woman without provocation and with so much force that she fell to the ground. Both suspects then allegedly hit the victim before leaving the SkyTrain at Metrotown Station.

Metro Vancouver Transit Police are recommending charges of Assault Causing Bodily Harm for a 19-year-old woman from Burnaby, who is known to police. They are recommending Assault for a 25-year-old man from Burnaby, who is also well known to police.

Both suspects have been released on an Undertaking with conditions not to have contact with the victim. Their next court appearance is scheduled for December 13, 2021, at 2:00 pm at Vancouver Provincial Court.

"Everyone deserves to ride on transit feeling safe. No matter what dispute a person may have with others, harassment or aggression is not the answer. Anyone who resorts to violence will be held accountable." – Constable Mike Yake.