Woman arrested for randomly assaulting people in West Van

A 61-year-old distressed woman is possibly facing criminal charges after she began assaulting people at random along the Seawall.

On Friday, May 21 at 9 am, WVPD received a report from a frantic mother, who reported a frightening incident involving her one-year-old child.

She alleged that moments earlier she was walking in the 1900 blk of Bellevue Ave with her child when she was approached by a woman who attempted to touch the child without permission.

When the mother intervened, the woman attempted to grab her, and was murmuring incoherently. She was able to flee with her child to safety, and call 9-1-1.

Officers immediately attended the area, and were initially unable to locate the suspect, who had fled on foot.

Moments later, more 9-1-1 calls were received, with reports that a woman was harassing people on the Seawall near 21st St.

Witnesses alleged that a woman had grabbed a 13-year-old boy and had been aggressively accosting an elderly woman.

The woman was then seen attacking a gardener in Navy Jack Gardens at 21st St / Bellevue. A citizen intervened and held the woman down until officers arrived on scene.

“This was a frightening incident for many people,” says Cst. Kevin Goodmurphy.

“While we don’t expect others to intervene at times like this, we are thankful for those who stepped in to prevent further assaults.”

The woman was taken into custody and officers quickly determined that mental illness had been a contributing factor to her behaviour.

She was then apprehended under the Mental Health Act and later transported to hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.

“Mental illness clearly played a significant role in this, and our officers were able to intervene to help this woman get access to the appropriate resources,” says Cst. Kevin Goodmurphy.

“The incident is still under investigation, and criminal charges may be recommended.”