A young couple says they were the victims of an unprovoked assault in Vancouver’s West End early Tuesday morning, while on their way home from a night out with friends.
One of the victims, who asked not to be identified, told CTV News he was punched repeatedly—and so hard, he lost a tooth.
“I don’t remember how many times,” he said when asked how often he was hit.
It all unfolded on Davie Street around 3:30 a.m.
The victim said a man approached the couple outside a convenience store and said something they didn’t understand.
He said the suspect attacked him after hearing them speak Korean.
“Then my girlfriend tried to protect me, and then he punched her,” the victim added.
The pair, who are from South Korea and in Canada on a working visa, say the incident has left them shaken and concerned for their safety.
“This place doesn’t feel right, safe,” the male victim said.
An employee at a nearby store called 911, and the suspect, who is described as a tall, fit man in his 30s, fled.
The couple chased after him and tried to subdue him until help arrived.
Police have spoken with all those involved, but no charges have been laid because investigators are looking for surveillance video and more witnesses.
“I think this is a hate crime ...I don’t know,” the male victim said. “But I didn’t feel any racism living in Vancouver because people are nice.”
