Vancouver police warn public about a rash of sucker punches in different parts of the city

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      People have been seriously injured and even killed in Vancouver this year after receiving single punches to the head.

      Const. Brian Montague told reporters today that the most recent incident was on November 18 in the 900 block of Granville Street. The victim was knocked unconscious and suffered a brain bleed.

      According to Montague, there have been at least 10 sucker punches that have caused three deaths.

      These attacks have occurred on Robson Street, in Gastown, and on the East Side, as well as in the Granville Entertainment District. 

      "Anywhere we have bars is where we're seeing them," he told reporters. "One of the common threads is the alcohol."

      One of the most serious incidents occurred on October 25 when a 34-year-old man was walking home from a comedy club with his wife.

      According to Montague, he found himself between two groups of men arguing over who could hire a limousine near the Roadhouse Bar.

      The innocent man was sucker punched and knocked unconscious. He suffered brain damage and has been in hospital for a month.

      The family has consented to releasing his photo but his name is not being publicized by the VPD.

      This 34-year-old man was walking home when he was attacked.

      A 23-year-old suspect was later arrested at his home in Coquitlam.

      Montague said Crown counsel has not yet approved a charge of aggravated assault and police are seeking more witnesses.

      The VPD released this photo of the man in hospital.

      The VPD's media liaison pointed out that perpetrators of these attacks are often young men who come into Vancouver from other municipalities in the region. "We're not seeing them in residential neighbourhoods." he noted.

      In one case, a homicide charge has been laid.

      "We're really hoping that people think about their actions and the consequences they have," Montague said.

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