VPD praises bystanders for stopping stranger attack

Vancouver Police are praising the actions of quick-thinking bystanders who stopped a violent attack on woman last night in downtown Vancouver.

"These witnesses jumped into action to help the victim as she was being attacked by a stranger," says Sergeant Steve Addison. "They are heroes, and they deserve full credit for their bravery. There is no question this victim could have suffered serious physical injuries had they not acted so decisively."

The victim, a 29-year-old woman, had just entered the lobby of her apartment building, near Davie and Howe Street, when she was followed into the building by a 19-year-old man shortly after 6 p.m. The suspect grabbed her, threw her to the ground, and assaulted her.

After fighting back, the victim was able to escape. She got up and ran out of the apartment building, but the suspect followed her and tried to continue the attack. That’s when approximately six bystanders stepped in, tackled the suspect, and held him down until police arrived. The victim was traumatized, but did not have serious physical injuries.

Bryce Michael Flores-Bebington has now been charged with assault and uttering threats to cause death. He was released from custody by the courts, and VPD is looking into whether this incident could be connected to other unsolved attacks in the city.