A man was arrested in Vancouver’s Chinatown after allegedly smashing a car window with two Asian women inside, Global News reported.
The car was parked while the suspect “yelled obscenities” before smashing the window with a chisel.
“This was a random, unprovoked incident and would have been very terrifying for the victims,” said Police Sgt. Aaron Roed.
The suspect was located and arrested with the help of a witness, then transported to jail. He will appear in court on a later date.
Local police have raised concerns over anti-Asian racism linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, including verbal and physical assaults. One incident included graffiti sprayed on the lions guarding the Millennium Gate, reading “goof,” “COVID-19,” and “China.” It is currently being investigated by local authorities.
Premier John Horgan and city officials condemned the attacks.
“People have been punched, pushed, spat on, and had racist slurs shouted at them,” Horgan said, calling the actions “despicable.”
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