Police are looking for the suspect in another random attack which left a 25-year-old man fighting for his life.
The attack occurred at 6:20 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22 when the victim, who had just moved to Canada, was at the Tim Hortons at Harbour Centre near the intersection of Seymour and West Hastings streets.
In the video clip the suspect can be seen waiting in line. He's then shown at a counter sitting on his phone. When the victim walks in the suspect immediately notices and stands up.
The clip then shows the victim putting his jacket on and the suspect, now with a hood up, rushing up behind the victim and repeatedly stabbing him. Police have blurred the actual moment of the attack.
The suspect then runs out the door.
WARNING: Some people may find the following video disturbing.
Police don't believe the two men knew each other.
"We don’t know if there was a motive for this attack, and the fact that it appears random and unprovoked is extremely concerning,” says Sgt. Steve Addison in a press release.
The attack follows other recent random attacks and stabbings. Police say they're concerned by the nature of the unprovoked attacks and understand the public's anxiety around the issue.
“This disturbing incident has all the hallmarks of a random attack that came completely without warning, and we’re increasingly worried about the public’s safety,” says Addison. “We need anyone who witnessed this assault to come forward, and we urge anyone who recognizes the suspect to call police.”
The Vancouver Police Department's major crimes unit is working on this weekend's stabbing and looking for witnesses or anyone who might know something.
The suspect is described by police as a man in his 20's standing about 6'2" with short black hair and a slim build. At the time of the attack he was wearing a grey hoodie (which has a black hood and black sleeves), grey-black jeans and black running shoes with white soles. He was carrying a black backpack, and a Crooks and Castles face mask.
Anyone with information is asked to call the VPD at 604-717-2541.
