17-year-old girl wearing headscarf punched in the head ‘several times’ on Vancouver bus — police

https://twitter.com/SgtCHampton/status/1267520579961188360

The Metro Vancouver Transit Police (MVTP) reported on Monday, June 1, that another passenger — this time a 17-year-old girl who was wearing a headscarf — was physically attacked while riding public transit in Vancouver.

In a news release, authorities said that the teenager, along with her mother, boarded a bus near Pacific Centre Mall last May 21 at 3:45 p.m. When they got on the bus, a woman diverted her attention to the duo and asked the young girl where she was from and if she was Canadian.

The woman then mocked the teen’s ethnicity and told her words to the effect of, “Your smile is making me want to punch you in the face,” according to the police.

Her words, however, were not just a threatening remark to the teen, as the suspect really did what she told the young girl. She allegedly punched the teen in the head “several times,” making her headscarf partially knocked off before the mother and a fellow passenger were able to come between them.

The police said a good samaritan called 911 and followed the suspect when she got off the bus at Hastings Street and Jackson Avenue. When the suspect learned that she was being followed, she allegedly took off her boots and hit the good samaritan and then took out a knife. When the good samaritan backed off, the suspect took the chance to escape.

The authorities described the suspect as possibly an Indigenous woman, approximately 40 years old, five feet and eight inches tall, and approximately 140 lbs. She was seen wearing a black hat, dark sunglasses, dark top with the word “Pink” written on the back, blue jean shorts, and black boots. She was also carrying a silver backpack that changes colour in different lights.

Those who have information that can help the MVTP identify the suspect are encouraged to come forward.

“There is no place for hate, racism or biases on the transit system. All passengers using our transit system have the right to travel without fear of harassment or assault,” the police said.

On Twitter, the MVTP advised commuters who feel unsafe while riding a bus to call 604.515.8300 or text 87.77.77 and take note of the bus number so that dispatchers can locate them easily. If it is an emergency, the public should call 911 immediately.

If you're not feeling safe on your bus and need to contact Transit Police, take note of the bus number. It will help our dispatchers locate you more quickly. Call 604.515.8300 or text 87.77.77 (always call 911 in an emergency) pic.twitter.com/xjim7qGLKl

— Metro Vancouver Transit Police (@TransitPolice) May 27, 2020