A series of seemingly unprovoked assaults have taken place across Metro Vancouver this week and investigators are seeking help from the public for more information about these incidents.

Richmond

On March 29, Richmond RCMP stated that around 3:15 p.m. officers responded to a report from a manager at a business in the 3900 block of Moncton Street about an alleged assault involving racial slurs.

Officers arrived at the scene and arrested the alleged suspect.

“I want to reassure the public that any investigation with potential hate motivated undertones will be given our full attention and oversight,” Richmond RCMP Chief Supt. Will Ng stated in a news release.

Richmond RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Adriana O’Malley said anyone who witnessed or has video footage of the incident is asked to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 or by email, or, to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

University Hill

On March 29, University RCMP stated that around 8:10 p.m. on March 27, an Asian woman was taking garbage out to the alley in the 5700 block of University Boulevard in the University Hill neighbourhood next to to the UBC campus.

When an unknown man approached her, he used a racial term, and then punched her in the head and stomach before her ran away in an unknown direction.

The victim hid and called 911. She was taken to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, and has since been released.

The male suspect is described as being tall (no height specified) and having a medium build. At the time of the assault, he was wearing a hoodie, sweat pants, runners, and a dark face mask.

University RCMP stated that the investigation remains underway and that investigators aren’t ruling out “any motives including that this crime had an element of bias or hate involved”.

Anyone with information is asked to call University RCMP at 604-224-1322 or Crime Stoppers.

UBC President, who had previously issued a statement about the shootings in Atlanta, Georgia, involving several female victims of Asian descent, also issued a statement about this incident.

https://twitter.com/ubcnews/status/1377027730873712640

https://twitter.com/ubcnews/status/1377027865204645888

https://twitter.com/ubcnews/status/1377028285666885632

Surrey

In a third separate incident, Surrey RCMP announced today (March 31) that a pregnant woman was leaving a bank on 102nd Avenue and King George Boulevard in Whalley around 11:30 a.m. on March 23 when an unknown man approached her from behind.

Surrey RCMP stated that he then allegedly pushed her to the ground and that it appeared to have been an unprovoked assault.

The victim sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Surrey RCMP released a photo of the suspect (shown above). The male suspect is described as a white male with a slender build. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a sky-blue jacket, dark pants, and a grey hat.

When the Georgia Straight inquired about the racial identity of the victim, RCMP Sgt. El Sturko stated that they aren’t releasing any information about the victim at this time and that they don’t currently have any information indicating any racial motivation to this assault.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers.