Police have arrested a suspect following an unprovoked attack in downtown Vancouver involving a female tourist over the weekend.
In a release Tuesday afternoon, police said the 35-year-old victim, a visitor to Vancouver, was walking near the cruise ship terminal at Canada Place shortly before 9am when she was “assaulted by a stranger”.
The victim was “repeatedly punched and kicked in the face”. She sustained “multiple injuries” that required medical attention in the hospital.
“The suspect and victim did not know each other and had no prior interaction before the assault occurred,” says Sgt. Steve Addison.
Several people witnessed the attack and they are being applauded for calling 911.
“We’re thankful to the bystanders who called police so our officers could respond immediately and collect valuable evidence that led to the quick arrest of the suspect.”
#VPDNews: #VPD has arrested a suspect following an unprovoked attack on a visitor. The woman was walking near Canada Place on Sunday shortly before 9 a.m. when she was assaulted by a stranger. Massimo Rosario Falvo, 40, is charged with aggravated assault. https://t.co/LCl6jduaGm pic.twitter.com/iff4vQbq8m
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) October 15, 2024
Patrol officers obtained video of the suspect from the crime scene, who was later arrested at a residential building near East Pender Street and Columbia Street. The suspect was taken into custody around 12:30pm by a VPD canine officer and Police Service Dog.
40-year-old Massimo Rosario Falvo has been charged with one count of aggravated assault and is currently in custody.
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