Vancouver man charged after alleged knife threat during spray-painting incident

Vancouver police have charged a 50-year-old man following an incident in the city’s downtown core where a pedestrian was allegedly threatened with a knife after confronting someone spray-painting property.

Police say the incident occurred Saturday morning around 9:48 a.m. near the intersection of West Hastings and Hamilton streets, an area that sees heavy foot traffic during weekend mornings.

According to investigators, a person walking to work noticed a man allegedly spray-painting in the area and confronted him. Police allege the suspect responded by spraying paint toward the pedestrian and producing a knife, prompting the victim to call 911.

Officers arrived shortly afterward, and police say the victim was able to direct them to the suspect, who was taken into custody without further incident.

The accused has been charged with assault with a weapon and mischief under $5,000. Police say he was later released on bail and is expected to appear in court at a later date.