Three teenage girls charged in violent B.C. transit attacks

Metro Vancouver Transit Police say three teenage girls have been charged after two violent assaults took place on the region’s public transit system this summer, including one attack that occurred on a SkyTrain between New Westminster and Surrey.

Police say the first incident happened on July 11, when a 16-year-old student was attacked by three girls after she tried to stop one of them from forcing open the train doors while it was moving. The suspects allegedly punched and kicked the victim, then dragged her by the hair, before passengers and SkyTrain attendants in Surrey intervened.

A few hours later, the same group allegedly attacked an 18-year-old woman on a bus, surrounding her after a verbal argument. Police say the victim was punched, kicked, and had clumps of her hair pulled out before officers arrived at the scene.

Investigators identified the accused as a 13-year-old and a 17-year-old from Surrey, and a 15-year-old from Abbotsford. All three have been charged with assault causing bodily harm. Their names are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Transit Police praised the bystanders who stepped in to help the victims, saying their actions “made a real difference” in preventing further harm. However, police cautioned the public to avoid direct confrontation during violent incidents and instead call 911 or use the Transit Police text line to report emergencies.

The attacks have renewed community concern in Surrey, Burnaby, and New Westminster over youth violence on public transit, with advocates calling for increased security patrols and youth outreach programs across Metro Vancouver.