Vancouver, Canada — Three teenage girls are facing assault charges following two violent incidents on Vancouver’s public transit system earlier this month, authorities reported. Metro Vancouver Transit Police detailed the sequence of events that began on the morning of July 11, when an altercation erupted on a SkyTrain moving between New Westminster and Surrey.
The incident unfolded when a 16-year-old student intervened to stop one of three suspects from tampering with the train doors while the train was in motion. The situation escalated rapidly as the trio turned on the student, assaulting her with punches and kicks and pulling her hair, until she was rescued by other passengers and SkyTrain attendants upon arrival in Surrey.
Approximately three hours later, the same group reportedly boarded a bus where they targeted an 18-year-old woman after a verbal altercation. As with the earlier attack, the suspects physically assaulted the woman, engaging in behaviors similar to the assault on the SkyTrain, including punching, kicking, and pulling her hair out.
Authorities have since identified the suspects involved in both incidents. The group consists of two teenagers from Surrey, aged 13 and 17, and a 15-year-old from Abbotsford. Each has been charged with assault causing bodily harm, but their names have been withheld in compliance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which protects the identities of minors involved in criminal cases.
The incidents have prompted a response from the transit police, who praised the bravery and quick reaction of passengers who intervened. While police discourage bystanders from risking their safety, the assistance provided in these instances was crucial in helping the victims and mitigating the assaults.
In light of these events, transit officials are reviewing security measures on Metro Vancouver’s transit network, seeking ways to enhance safety and prevent such assaults from reoccurring. Discussions include increasing the presence of transit police and potentially installing more surveillance equipment to deter crime and monitor for any suspicious activities.
Passenger safety on public transit remains a top priority for both law enforcement and transit authorities, who are committed to fostering a safe and secure environment for all commuters. As the legal proceedings against the accused unfold, community members and officials are calling for more awareness and stricter measures to ensure the security on public transit routes throughout Vancouver.
These attacks, happening within a span of a few hours on the same day, have raised concerns among daily commuters about the overall safety and have urged transit authority to take stronger actions against violence and disturbances affecting public peace and person safety in transit environments.