The Vancouver Police Department announced today the arrest of 39-year-old Colin Akwei of Coquitlam, who they said was responsible for four random assaults in early and late February on Vancouver’s West Side.
Sgt. Jason Robillard said investigators moved on a tip from the public and arrested Akwei Tuesday afternoon around 3 p.m. For now, Akwei is charged with one count of assault and one count of assault with a weapon. Robillard would not go into detail with what type of weapon was used or what other charges police are recommending to the Crown, as both are pending further investigation.
“Investigators are continuing to piece the evidence together and determine a motive for these crimes,” Robillard said during a press conference. “Further charges are expected and he remains in custody.”
Police are also asking the public to come forward if they believe they were victims of similar assaults.
Akwei is believed to be the assailant in two incidents on Feb. 5, and incidents on Feb. 22 and Feb. 24. The locations of the assaults were on West Second Avenue and Burrard Street, at Broadway and Alma Street, Granville Street and Broadway, and Broadway and Laurel Street.
“In each case, the suspect approached the victim in a public space such as a sidewalk or a convenience store,” Robillard recounted. “Without provocation, he either punched, elbowed or pushed the victim before walking away.”
