Man charged after stranger attack with axe in downtown Vancouver

A Vancouver Police officer's uniform is pictured in Vancouver, on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

By Charles Brockman

Posted May 14, 2025 12:20 pm.

Vancouver police say a man suspected of striking a stranger in the face with an axe was arrested Tuesday.

The Vancouver Police Department says a man, bleeding from his face, approached officers near East Hastings and Main streets around 12:30 p.m.

The 50-year-old victim alleged a stranger struck him with a small axe and stole his sunglasses.

“Fortunately, the victim sustained only minor injuries,” police said.

Officers arrested a suspect nearby. Since then, a 30-year-old man has been charged with robbery and breach of probation.

A man matching the suspect’s name is expected in court on May 27.

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