SURREY, B.C. — Transit police are looking for witnesses in the alleged violent assault of a 61-year-old woman following a dispute over seats on a Surrey, B.C., bus last week.
Metro Vancouver Transit Police say the woman sat down next to a female suspect, who claimed the seat was for her husband before allegedly pushing the older woman to the floor.
They say the woman then sat down behind the couple and tried to take a photo of them with her cellphone, drawing their attention.
They allege the female suspect grabbed the cellphone from the victim's hands and assaulted her.
Anyone with information on these two individuals is asked to contact Transit Police. Call 604.515.8300 or text 87.77.77 - quote file file #18-5346 https://t.co/lzDVA3D3Bm pic.twitter.com/q1ZYeztpoY
— Transit Police BC (@TransitPolice) March 25, 2018
Police allege the suspect struck the woman's head and chest on a metal handrail repeatedly while threatening to kill her.
Investigators say the woman was taken to hospital with a broken arm, a cracked sternum and minor head trauma.
Anyone with information about the suspects, who are described as being in their early 30s, is asked to contact police.
Police say that the victim was taken to the hospital, where she was treated for a broken arm, a cracked sternum and minor head trauma.
#MediaRelease: Transit Police Asking for the Public’s Help in Identifying Violent Assault Suspects https://t.co/lzDVA3D3Bm pic.twitter.com/g9qbQAPj4K
— Transit Police BC (@TransitPolice) March 25, 2018
"She's extremely traumatized," Drennan said, noting that the woman was a regular bus user.
"She's very stressed. She's very frightened. She's afraid to use the bus again."
Drennan said police have spoken to several witnesses, but they're hoping for more people to come forward.
Police describe the two suspects as:
A South Asian female, 30 to 35 years old, five feet six inches, medium build, with long black hair in a ponytail. She wore a purple/maroon jacket with fur-trimmed hood, patterned leggings, purple socks and black shoes.
A South Asian male, 30 to 35 years old, five feet ten inches, with short dark hair and a beard. He wore an olive-green hoodie with a light circle-shaped logo on the chest and a brightly-coloured hood lining, plus black shorts and black shoes. He carried a red Good Life fitness duffel bag.
Anyone with information is asked to contact transit police at 604-516-7419 and refer to file #18-5346 or text police at 87 77 77.