Woman saved from ‘violent’ stranger attack thanks to bystanders, VPD says

A woman who was violently attacked Sunday night while walking into her apartment building was saved thanks to about six “quick-thinking bystanders,” according to the Vancouver Police Department.

The 29-year-old victim had just entered her lobby shortly after 6 p.m., near Davie and Howe Street, when she was followed in by a man who grabbed her, threw her to the ground and began assaulting her, police say.

Police say the victim was able to escape and run out of her apartment building “after fighting back,” but the suspect followed her outside and attempted to continue the assault.

That’s when police say the bystanders jumped into action, “tackled the suspect, and held him down until police arrived,” VPD said in a news release.

“These witnesses jumped into action to help the victim as she was being attacked by a stranger,” says Sergeant Steve Addison. “They are heroes, and they deserve full credit for their bravery. There is no question this victim could have suffered serious physical injuries had they not acted so decisively.”

The victim did not suffer any serious physical injuries but is “traumatized” from the incident, police say.

19-year-old Bryce Michael Flores-Bebington has been charged with assault and uttering threats to cause death.

He has since been released from custody.

The VPD says it is looking into whether this incident is connected to other unsolved attacks throughout the city.