Vancouver just experienced a sizzling weekend and the VPD has shared that they responded to over 1,800 incidents across the city over the weekend.
“Summer temperatures always bring more people to the city from surrounding communities, and after a rainy start to the year, we’re glad to see people getting out to enjoy the sun in Vancouver,” says Sergeant Steve Addison. “While the vast majority of people stayed safe and acted responsibly, whenever we see this many people gathering outside, there’s bound to be more incidents requiring police.”
Police responded to 1800 incidents between Friday and Monday an increase of 36% from the same time last year. Police were called to the beaches 28 times, a 250% increase from the same time last year.
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The VPD highlighted some of the disturbing incidents that took place.
In one incident, a 23-year-old Vancouver man was partying with a group of people at English Bay on Friday night when someone bear-sprayed him in the face. The suspect “disappeared into the crowd and was not located”. “VPD officers were patrolling the waterfront when they were flagged over to help. The officers assisted the victim and remained with him until Vancouver Fire Rescue Services arrived to decontaminate him.”
Police also responded to a 16-year-old boy was stabbed multiple times at Davie and Denman Street on Friday night. He suffered several superficial wounds and was treated at hospital. The VPD investigation is ongoing and the suspect has not been identified, however the victim told officers he had been stabbed by another teen.
Away from English Bay, officers working in the Granville Entertainment District were flagged over outside the Roxy nightclub on Friday night. “Patrons waiting in line reported that a man had flashed a gun at them”. VPD’s Gang Crime Unit arrested the suspect walking near Granville and Robson Street a few minutes later and recovered a loaded handgun. The suspect is a 19-year-old man from Surrey.
Outside of the downtown core and the West End, officers were also busy and the VPD highlighted another three incidents.
On Sunday, VPD officers launched a robbery investigation early Sunday morning after someone pick-pocketed a man who was unconscious and overdosing near Main and Hastings. VPD officers arrested the 34-year-old suspect as he was attempting to flee.
Over at Hillcrest Community Centre, more than 20 VPD officers responded Friday night after a man “allegedly pulled a knife and assaulted a stranger inside the locker room”. The 32-year-old suspect was arrested nearby and has been charged with assault with a weapon, uttering threats, a possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
The last incident mentioned by police included more than a dozen VPD officers assisting in the arrest of five armed and dangerous suspects who attempted to evade police in a vehicle late Friday night. Two firearms were discovered in the car.
With more hot weather in the forecast, the VPD expects to remain busy and extra officers will patrol the busy beaches, parks, and entertainment areas to keep people safe.
“We’re thrilled to see people getting outside and enjoying the warm weather, and we want everyone to have a good time,” adds Sergeant Addison. “If you see a crime in progress or your safety is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1 so our officers can respond immediately.”