Six bystanders prevent violent attack on woman in downtown Vancouver

Photo: Photo via Google Maps.

View of Davie and Howe streets in Downtown Vancouver. The VPD says several bystanders are to thank for taking down a suspected attacker on Sunday, Oct. 2.

Several people stopped a violent attack on a woman last night in downtown Vancouver, say Vancouver Police.

On Sunday (Oct. 2) just after 6 p.m., a 29-year-old woman had just walked into her apartment lobby, located near Davie and Howe streets, when a 19-year-old man followed her inside. The suspect then grabbed the woman, threw her to the ground, and assaulted her, explains a news release.

The victim fought back and managed to get up and run out of the apartment building. However, the suspect followed her, trying to continue the attack.

When the suspect tried to assault her again, "approximately six bystanders stepped in, tackled the suspect, and held him down until police arrived," say police.

The victim did not suffer serious physical injuries but was traumatized by the assault.

“These witnesses jumped into action to help the victim as she was being attacked by a stranger,” says VPD Sgt. Steve Addison. “They are heroes, and they deserve full credit for their bravery.

"There is no question this victim could have suffered serious physical injuries had they not acted so decisively.”

Bryce Michael Flores-Bebington has now been charged with assault and uttering threats to cause death. He was released from custody by the courts, and the VPD is looking into whether this incident could be connected to other unsolved attacks in the city.