VPD Identifies Suspect in Violent Assault on Sex Worker Vancouver Police have released the image of a suspect wanted in connection with a violent assault on a sex worker in the city’s Downtown Eastside. On September 14, 2023, around 3:00 AM, a woman working as a sex worker was attacked by a stranger on Richards Street near Hastings Street. The suspect approached the victim from behind and struck her with a blunt object, causing serious injuries to her head and face. The victim was transported to hospital where she is being treated for her injuries. Vancouver Police Major Crime Section investigators have obtained footage from nearby security cameras which provide a clear image of the suspect. The suspect is described as: * Male * White * In his late 30s or early 40s * Shaved head * Medium build * Wearing a black jacket, black pants, and white shoes “This was a vicious and unprovoked attack on a vulnerable person,” said Constable Tania Visintin of the VPD Major Crime Section. “We are determined to identify and arrest the suspect responsible.” Police are asking the public for any information about the identity or whereabouts of the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to call the VPD Major Crime Section at 604-717-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. “We will not tolerate violence against any member of our community,” added Visintin. “We are working tirelessly to bring the person responsible for this assault to justice.”

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) says it has identified a suspect in the violent assault of a sex worker in downtown Eastside on Monday.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) says it has identified a suspect in the violent assault of a sex worker in downtown Eastside on Monday.
Police located the suspect early Thursday morning while patrolling Oppenheimer Park.
“Officers have impounded the man’s vehicle and continue to investigate,” VPD said in a news release.
“The suspect cannot be identified because charges have not yet been filed.”
The intersection of East Hastings Street and Campbell Avenue in Vancouver on Thursday, June 13, 2024. (Image by CityNews) On Thursday, police said the woman was stopped near East Hastings Street and Campbell Avenue and assaulted with a gun.
She was then reportedly pushed out of the vehicle near Oppenheimer Park.
Police say two passersby found the victim and helped her report the crime.
VPD warns women in the Downtown Eastside to remain vigilant.
With files from Charles Brockman and Michael Williams.

Vancouver Police have identified a suspect in a violent assault on a sex worker that occurred last week. The incident took place on November 17th at around 10:30 pm in the area of Richards Street and Hastings Street. The victim, a 35-year-old woman, was allegedly attacked by a man who struck her with a blunt object. The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries. She has since been released from hospital and is recovering. On November 24th, VPD officers arrested a 36-year-old man in connection with the assault. He has been identified as Nicholas James Descheneaux. Descheneaux has been charged with aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. He appeared in court on November 25th and was remanded in custody. Investigators believe that Descheneaux and the victim were known to each other. They are still working to determine the motive for the assault. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the VPD Major Crime Section at 604-717-2541 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.