One man has been charged with one count of assault with a weapon after he allegedly hit a woman on the head with a piece of lumber “about the size and thickness of a baseball bat.”
The Vancouver Police Department says that the incident occurred near Kitsilano Beach on Sunday, shortly before 2 p.m.
Witnesses told police that the man had picked up a piece of lumber or driftwood.
According to police, the victim was walking along the beach with her partner when the perpetrator allegedly struck her with the piece of wood from behind.
“The woman’s companion intervened, and several witnesses came to assist,” the VPD said.
“Other witnesses followed the suspect and called 911.”
The victim was bleeding from the head and slipping in and out of consciousness.
She was taken to hospital for treatment, and she is expected to recover from her injuries.
Upon arrival, officers were able to identify, locate, and arrest the suspect based on witnesses’ description of the man at a retail store close to the scene.
“This appears to be an unprovoked assault in a busy public place,” said Sgt. Adam Donaldson.
“We’re grateful to the witnesses who intervened, followed the suspect, and provided critical information to police.”