During the pandemic, hate crimes been on the increase in Metro Vancouver, particularly those targeting people of Asian descent, and there have been several controversial anti-LGBT incidents involving street preachers.

Meanwhile another anti-Asian assault has taken place and is under investigation, and Burnaby RCMP are asking for the public’s help in identifying three suspects involved in this incident.

Burnaby RCMP stated that at 4:15 p.m. on September 26, officers responded to a report about a hate crime and assault near the Metrotown SkyTrain station in Burnaby.

A male suspect dressed in yellow allegedly racially abused a man, as two other people began shouting remarks such as “Go back to your country” at him as well. Burnaby RCMP confirmed the victim was an Asian male.

The man in yellow then allegedly poured coffee over the victim’s head. The victim did not sustain any injuries. 

The three suspects left the area after the incident and the victim called police.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 40s who was wearing a yellow hoodie, beige pants, and a black hat.

The other two suspects are described as a woman in her 30s with a blond ponytail, who was wearing a black hoodie and grey sweatpants, and a man in a black vest, black pants, black shoes, and a black hat worn backwards.

“While we are thankful that the victim was not physically injured, we are mindful of the long lasting effects that incidents like this one can have on those being targeted so it is hugely important that we identify these suspects quickly,” Burnaby RCMP Cpl. Mike Kalanj stated in a news release.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Burnaby RCMP or Crime Stoppers.