Charges are still pending against a 33-year-old suspect accused of punching, kicking and biting multiple people during the incident, but Metro Vancouver police have shared more details about the fight in the meantime. The three young women boarded the SkyTrain at Main Street-Science World Station shortly after midnight last Wednesday and then noticed they were being recorded by another passenger. When one of the women asked the man to stop, he allegedly “jumped out of his seat and punched her in the face,” authorities said in a news release. “He then grabbed the second woman’s hair, put her in a headlock and attempted to kick her several times. The third woman tried to free her and was allegedly bitten on the hand by the suspect,” MVTP wrote. A bystander tried to intervene and was reportedly bitten on the hand. Police said the bystander caused enough of a distraction that allowed the three women to escape safely. Someone else stepped on the yellow emergency lane inside the SkyTrain car, and several passengers tried to detain the suspect at Joyce Station. While the man was able to free himself before authorities arrived, Metro Vancouver police said officers were still able to quickly locate a suspect with the help of witnesses. “While transit police never recommend that anyone harm themselves, we would like to thank the passers-by who helped this group of young women. Their actions help send a very clear message that transit violence will not be never tolerated”, Const. Amanda Steed said in the press release. None of the victims required treatment, but one suffered “injuries to his nail bed” and another had “soft tissue injuries, including bruising and swelling,” authorities said. Police are recommending multiple charges of assault and battery causing bodily harm against the suspect, a New Westminster resident, whose name will not be released unless charges are approved. The man was released on the condition that he has no contact with any of the victims. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 26.
