The suspect in a violent stranger attack at Vancouver’s Kits Beach that left a woman with significant injuries has been released back into the community.
The incident occurred just before 2pm on Sunday, June 28th.
The department received several 911 calls after witnesses reported seeing a man “pick up a piece of wood and strike an apparently unsuspecting woman on the head”.
The female victim was walking along the beach with her partner when the stranger allegedly struck from behind. Witnesses described the weapon as “a piece of lumber or driftwood about the size and thickness of a baseball bat”.
The woman’s companion intervened, and several witnesses came to assist with the situation. Other witnesses followed the suspect and called 911.
“The victim, who was bleeding from the head and slipping in and out of consciousness, was taken to hospital for treatment. She is expected to recover,” said the VPD.
Police arrested Carlos Caldera Duarte inside a store near Kits Beach. However, he spent less than 48 hours in custody.
“Caldera Duarte was charged with one count of assault with a weapon. He was released from custody yesterday with court-imposed conditions and is scheduled to return to court on July 7,” said the VPD in a release on July 1st.
#VPDNews: After spending less than 48 hours in custody, the man arrested in connection with a stranger attack at Kits Beach has been released back into the community.
On June 28, just before 2:00 p.m., the Vancouver Police Department received several 911 calls from witnesses… pic.twitter.com/A1V4n5Oiwd
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) July 1, 2026
As you can expect, his release sparked outrage and shock on social media.
“Goddam nonsense,” commented one X user.
“System is broken,” added another person.