Updated: 50-year-old man charged in assault of Vancouver police during West End arrest

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      Update (August 26): After a man assaulted two Vancouver officers when they tried to arrest him in the West End on August 21, he is now facing criminal charges.

      The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) announced today (August 26) that Frank Pacella, who is 50 years old, has been charged with one count each of assaulting a police officer, assaulting a police officer causing bodily harm, resisting arrest, and escaping lawful custody.

      The VPD is not offering any further information about this incident at this time.

      A video of the incident taken by a bystander was uploaded online. 

      Original article (August 22):

      A man exhibiting bizarre behaviour yesterday bit and punched officers as they attempted to arrest him near Sunset Beach in Vancouver’s West End yesterday.

      Around 5 p.m. on August 21, Vancouver police responded to calls from witnesses who saw a man yelling and behaving strangely near Pacific and Thurlow streets about a block west of the Vancouver Aquatic Centre.

      However, as officers attempted to take the man into custody, the man, who appeared to be hallucinating, assaulted them.

      One constable suffered multiple scratches to her face and head. She also injured her arm during the assault when the man tried to take her firearm out of its holster.

      Meanwhile, a sergeant was bitten on her finger and suffered cuts and scratches to her face, hand, and body.

      A bystander had tried to jump in to intervene and help the injured officers but the suspect fled.

      After additional police officers briefly chased the man on foot, they Tasered him and arrested him.

      The two injured officers were taken to hospital for treatment and were later released.

      The 50-year-old male suspect from Vancouver was also taken to hospital and assessed for injuries before he was taken to jail.

      Police will be recommending criminal charges.

      You can follow Craig Takeuchi on Twitter at @cinecraig or on Facebook

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