Vancouver police have released images and footage of a suspect in a string of random attacks along the Yaletown seawall on Friday that left several people injured.
Police say officers were called just after 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 10 to reports of multiple stabbings near David Lam Park in Yaletown. Three people were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Since then, four additional victims have come forward, including another stabbing victim, a person reportedly physically assaulted and two others who were not physically injured — bringing the total number of known victims to seven.
“These assaults were violent and unprovoked, and as long as this suspect remains at large we fear the community is at risk,” said Sgt. Steve Addison in a statement Sunday morning. “It is our highest priority to quickly identify and apprehend this person.”
The victims include five men and two women, ranging in age from 23 to 59.
“There may be additional victims we don’t know about, or witnesses who have important information that could help solve this case,” Addison added.
The suspect is believed to be a woman in her 20s or 30s with long dark hair tied in a ponytail. Police say she was last seen walking east on Marinaside Crescent between the Cambie Street Bridge and David Lam Park, wearing an oversized black leather jacket, black pants and “possibly a leopard-print shirt or scarf.”
Const. Tania Visintin previously told CBC News that investigators believe the attacks were random and could have occurred within minutes of each other.
“This is a very frightening incident for those who use the seawall and residents of the area,” Visintin said on Friday, adding that while the victims are expected to recover physically, emotional trauma from such random violence can be lasting.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information is asked to contact the police.
