Vancouver police release images of suspect in series of Yaletown stabbings

The Vancouver Police Department has released images of the suspect in a series of stabbings in Yaletown Friday morning.

Sgt. Steve Addison says police are turning to the public for help identifying the suspect.

“These assaults were violent and unprovoked, and as long as this suspect remains at large, we fear the community is at risk,” said Addison.

“It is our highest priority to quickly identify and apprehend this person.”

Officers were called to the area after reports of multiple people stabbed on the seawall near David Lam Park around 7:30 a.m.

When emergency crews arrived, they found three victims with minor stab wounds. They were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police say four additional assault victims have come forward since Friday morning. These include another stabbing victim, someone who was physically assaulted, and two more who did not suffer any injuries.

The Vancouver Police Department has released images of the suspect in a series of stabbings in Yaletown Friday morning. (VPD Handout Image)

The Vancouver Police Department has released images of the suspect in a series of stabbings in Yaletown Friday morning. (VPD Handout Image)

In total, seven victims have come forward: five men and two women, aged between 23 and 59.

Witness Mike Conway says he encountered the suspect, who was holding a knife, as he was walking along the seawall around 7:30 a.m.

“She just came at me and swiped at me, and I dodged out of the way and scurried off as fast as I could,” he said.

“She swung a knife, and I moved out of the way. Then I ran about 10 paces, and she went the other way.”

Victims described the suspect as a woman in her late 20s or early 30s, between 5’3″ and 5’7″ tall, with a slim build, and long, dark hair. She was wearing an oversized black leather jacket, tight dark pants, and either a leopard-print shirt or scarf.

Witnesses or anyone with relevant video footage are asked to call investigators at 604-717-7048.

— With files from Charles Brockman.