Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

VPD contends with violent crime, disorder during hectic Halloween

Darpan News Desk Vancouver Police, 01 Nov, 2021 12:36 PM
  • VPD contends with violent crime, disorder during hectic Halloween

Vancouver – Vancouver Police are investigating dozens of serious crimes that occurred over the Halloween weekend, as thousands of people poured into the city for one of the busiest stretches of the Covid era.

“Despite deploying dozens of extra officers, VPD was stretched thin throughout the weekend after a number of violent incidents resulted in one homicide, several serious injuries, and extensive property damage,” says Sergeant Steve Addison, adding that at least five people reported being sexually assaulted and four police officers were assaulted during the weekend.
“Our officers were challenged due to the sheer number of incidents that took place across the city, but we’re working hard to gather evidence that will help us solve these crimes, hold offenders accountable, and keep people safe.”

VPD received 4,550 calls for service during the weekend, including 2,418 which were placed to 9-1-1. That’s a 10 per cent increase in 9-1-1 calls, compared to the same weekend last year.

More than 215 extra officers were deployed to handle the increased call volume, as well as to monitor large crowds in the entertainment districts, monitor multiple protests, and investigate serious crimes.

Incidents of note:

  • Climate activists blocked rush-hour traffic Friday night when they occupied a major intersection at Burrard Street and Pacific Avenue, preventing hundreds of vehicles from entering the downtown core. Dozens of police officers were deployed for several hours to re-route traffic and negotiate with the protesters – some of whom had chained themselves together. Five people – three men and two women – were eventually arrested and taken to jail after they ignored repeated warnings to clear the intersection. The demonstration was one of seven protests and rallies in Vancouver during the Halloween weekend.
  • One man was killed and two others seriously wounded during the city’s 14th homicide of the year, which occurred Saturday night on the South Slope. VPD officers responded to Fraser Street and East 55th Avenue after the victims’ vehicle was involved in a roll-over collision. Investigators believe the men were traveling in the vehicle when they were involved in a confrontation with people in another car. VPD’s Homicide Unit is investigating.
  • 66-year-old woman was struck and killed during a hit-and-run collision near East Broadway and Commercial Drive Saturday night. VPD believes the woman was struck by a man driving a silver Acura TL, which failed to stop or render assistance following the collision. VPD investigators later located the suspect vehicle and arrested a 30-year-old man who is believed to have been driving when the collision occurred. Speed and alcohol are possible factors.
  • Multiple vehicles were set on fire overnight Sunday in South Vancouver in what police believe were targeted arsons. Shortly before 1 a.m. Monday, VPD launched an investigation after two cars were set on fire near Prince Edward Street and East 26th Avenue, in Mount Pleasant. Less than two-hours later, someone set fire to a car that was parked near Victoria Drive and East 54th Avenue. The car was completely destroyed. Investigators are looking into possible links to the Lower Mainland gang conflict.

“In addition to these major crimes, VPD officers also contended with large numbers of people who came downtown to party,” adds Sergeant Addison. “This resulted in several arrests for fights and drunkenness, as well as numerous reports of gropings and unprovoked assaults.”

VPD officers made more than 110 arrests between Friday night and Sunday morning, including 82 people for criminal offences and 30 others for breach of peace or public intoxication.

VPD continues to investigate the weekend incidents, and encourages anyone who has not yet reported an incident to call police. All in-progress incidents, or anything that could put someone’s health and safety at risk, should be immediately reported to 9-1-1. Less-serious incidents, where there are no immediate safety concerns and the suspect has left, can be reported online or to VPD’s non-emergency line at 604-717-3321.

MORE National ARTICLES

Anand to lead war on military sex misconduct

Anand to lead war on military sex misconduct
Anita Anand’s arrival in the position follows months of controversy surrounding the Liberal government’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations involving some of the military’s most senior officers.

Anand to lead war on military sex misconduct

Trudeau makes Bennett new mental health minister

Trudeau makes Bennett new mental health minister
Carolyn Bennett, who served recently as minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, has been tapped to take on the new minister of mental health and addictions role. The role has been separated from the rest of the health portfolio, which will be helmed by former Treasury Board President Jean-Yves Duclos.

Trudeau makes Bennett new mental health minister

A full list of who is where in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's new cabinet

A full list of who is where in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's new cabinet
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet was revealed on Tuesday, with old faces in familiar places, and new faces in new places. Here is a breakdown of who has what ministerial position. 

A full list of who is where in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's new cabinet

West Fraser to buy South Carolina OSB mill

West Fraser to buy South Carolina OSB mill
The company says the mill will give it the flexibility to better meet customer demand, particularly in the southeastern U.S. The mill, which began producing OSB in 2007, has been idle since late 2019.

West Fraser to buy South Carolina OSB mill

B.C. health workers hit vaccination deadline

B.C. health workers hit vaccination deadline
Premier John Horgan says he's hopeful that the small number of workers who are resistant to getting vaccinated will get the information they need to get their shots. Those who don't have their first dose of vaccine by the deadline can't work unless they have a recognized exemption.

B.C. health workers hit vaccination deadline

1,618 COVID19 cases over 3 days

1,618 COVID19 cases over 3 days
There are 4,966 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 195,055 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 366 individuals are in hospital and 149 are in intensive care. 

1,618 COVID19 cases over 3 days