VPD looking for suspect in unprovoked machete attack

Vancouver Police continue their investigation into an incident where two people were attacked with a machete last month.

On June 19, around 7 pm, a 49-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman were loading their luggage into a taxi outside a downtown eastside hotel when they were allegedly attacked from behind.

Multiple witnesses near Main and East Hastings St., flagged down police, while the suspect fled the scene.

“We don’t know if there was a motive for this attack,” says Constable Tania Visintin.

“Investigators believe it was completely random and unprovoked, and they want anyone with information to come forward.”

Both victims were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

“This week, investigators obtained surveillance video from nearby businesses that captures an image of the suspect,” adds Constable Visintin.

“Given the time of day and the location of this incident, we believe there were witnesses who have not yet come forward. We also believe that people will recognize the suspect and can help us identify him.”

Police are looking for a 40-50-year-old man who is about 5’10 tall, who was wearing a black long sleeve shirt, grey pants, black sneakers and carrying an umbrella at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call VPD’s Major Crime Unit at 604-717-2541.