Vancouver transit police looking for suspect involved in violent attack on bus

After a man violently attacked a woman on a bus, Metro Vancouver Transit Police are asking for help from the public to identify the suspect.

The man has been accused of punching the woman several times and pulling her hair, according to CTV News.

The man got on the bus in Vancouver at Main street and East Hastings street at about 4:25 p.m. on April 15, say police. Shortly after that, two Asian women boarded the bus wearing protective masks.

"The man immediately directed his attention to the two women, stating words to the effect of, 'Go back to your country; that's where it all started,'" noted police in a statement on Tuesday.

Another woman on the bus told the man to leave the two women alone, which police say turned into an argument allegedly involving a threat from the man.

"Moments later, the suspect allegedly jumped up and kicked the victim in the leg," police continued. "As the victim stood up to defend herself, the suspect allegedly reached over and violently pulled the victim's hair, pulling so hard that a large clump of hair was pulled from her head."

He then allegedly punched the woman multiple times and threw her to the ground. Police say she was able to fight him off while she was on the ground. The suspect then left the bus and ran towards Commercial Drive and East Hastings.

The victim was injured on her scalp and leg during the attack.

The man is white and around 45 to 55 years of age. He is about 5’6” and weighs approximately 180 pounds. He had a red baseball cap with the letter V on it at the time of the incident and was holding a dark grey jacket and a grey backpack.

If you have any additional information you can contact Transit Police at 604-516-7419.