3 teenage girls charged after 2 violent assaults in Surrey
Posted October 17, 2024 10:59 am.
Last Updated October 17, 2024 11:45 am.
Three teenage girls are facing charges in relation to two violent attacks on a SkyTrain and bus in Surrey in July.
The Metro Vancouver Transit Police (MVTP) says the girls have each been charged with two counts of assault causing bodily harm after allegedly attacking another teenage girl and a young woman in July.
Around 9 p.m. on July 11, police say a 16-year-old homestay student caught the attention of the three suspects when she tried to stop one of them from prying open the doors of a moving SkyTrain.
“The suspects encircled the student and allegedly punched her, kicked her, and dragged her by her hair. The student was able to get help thanks to passengers on board the train and two SkyTrain attendants at Surrey Central Station who called police and an ambulance,” said Const. Amanda Steed.
Steed says the student was taken to Surrey Memorial Hospital.
Shortly after midnight on July 12, the teen suspects boarded a bus at 160 Street and 100 Avenue and allegedly assaulted an 18-year-old woman after a “verbal exchange.”
“The suspects allegedly punched and kicked the victim and pulled out clumps of her hair. The bus was stopped, and police were called,” Steed explained.
The Surrey Police Service (SPS) and MVTP arrived and arrested three girls: a 13-year-old and 15-year-old from Surrey and a 17-year-old from Abbotsford.
“Thankfully, the victims didn’t sustain any serious physical injuries, although they are still quite traumatized from the incident,” Steed said.
She confirmed to 1130 NewsRadio that the victims were strangers to the suspects.
Steed says the incidents aren’t indicative of a rise in crime on transit specifically, but rather of a rise in crimes committed by youth — though her statement was not substantiated by recent statistics.
“We’ve all seen instances recently where most of the suspects involved in these very violent incidents have been teenagers, and that is concerning.”
She says now is a great time for parents to speak with their teenage children about acting safely and whom to call in dangerous situations.
Police say all three suspects are currently in the custody of their guardians, awaiting their next court appearance.
MVTP encourages anyone who feels unsafe on transit to text 87-77-77 or call 911.
