VPD seeks witnesses to West End stranger attack

Vancouver Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was attacked by a stranger in Vancouver’s West End last month.

"This assault appears to have been completely random and has left the victim with serious injuries to his face," says Constable Tania Visintin, VPD. "We believe there were people in the area who may have witnessed this assault and are asking them to come forward and speak with investigators."

The victim, a 52-year-old man, was walking to work near Davie and Howe streets just after 5 a.m. on September 18 when a man walking in the opposite direction randomly punched him in the face. The victim became disoriented and was unable to stand on his feet.

"We know the victim was picked up by a taxi in the area and taken a nearby hospital where he underwent surgery for a fractured jaw," adds Constable Visintin. "Because the victim was in hospital, the attack was not reported to police until several days later and we were unable to immediately canvass for witnesses or collect evidence from the crime scene."

The suspect is around five feet ten inches and has a husky build with broad shoulders. At the time of the assault, he was wearing a dark hooded sweater with a dark jacket on top, blue jeans and a dark mask.