While a number of collisions took place across the Lower Mainland this weekend, resulting in injuries and fatalities, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) was kept busy with a rash of unprovoked, seemingly random assaults and incidents involving weapons.

Around 4:30 a.m. on September 24, a man entered a Tim Hortons located near Davie and Howe streets. He ordered a donut but as his order was being prepared, he pulled out a can of bear spray and sprayed the employee. Officers arrested the suspect for assault with a weapon and mischief over $5,000.

Then at 6:15 p.m. on the same day, an 82-year-old Asian woman was walking to a bus stop when a suspect shoved her from behind near East King Edward Avenue and Fraser Street. Police arrested the 33-year-old suspect, whom the victim doesn’t know. The victim is suffering from a sore arm. Assault charges are being recommended, and the VPD Hate Crimes investigator is reviewing the case.

Three incidents took place at Douglas Park at West 22^nd Avenue and Laurel Street in the South Cambie neighbourhood.

At 9:30 p.m. also on September 24, a male youth reportedly pointed what appeared to be a firearm at another youth on the east side of the park near West 20^th Avenue and Heather Street. Officers arrested the 15-year-old suspect, who was found to possess a knife, a baton, and an imitation handgun.

Then at the south side of the park near West 22^nd Avenue, officers responded to reports about two men who allegedly wielded a handgun and demanded money from a 15-year-old victim. By the time officers arrived, however, the suspects had left the location. This case remains under investigation.

After that, one block away from the park at 1:10 a.m. on September 25, an unknown male suspect approached a 16-year-old girl from behind and groped her. The suspect remains outstanding and this case is also under investigation.

Over in an area near Gastown and the Downtown Eastside around 6 p.m. yesterday (September 26), police witnessed two men fighting on the road near East Hastings and Columbia streets. Officers arrested a 29-year-old aggressor who had a loaded handgun in his possession. Several firearms-related charges have been recommended.

Over the weekend, the VPD also responded to other assaults, domestic assaults, and break-ins.