BURST
Police are investigating an assault last month at a popular park in Vancouver’s Olympic Village that has left a man with life-changing injuries.
On June 7, at around 4:25 p.m., a man called 911 to say he was hit over the head and needed help, said the Vancouver Police Department.
Paramedics and police found him along a pedestrian and cycling path near Hinge Park, south of the playground and fenced dog park, on the west side of Olympic Village.
“There was no one else near this guy,” said VPD spokesman Const. Jason Doucette. “It was just him, his backpack and his bike.”
He was taken to hospital with injuries to his head and face. Investigators believe the man was hit in the head hard with a blunt object.
Because the man’s condition deteriorated in hospital, police have not been able to have a meaningful conversation with him, said Doucette.
The man’s injuries will likely be life-altering.
Investigators do not believe the assault was random, and believes there was an interaction between the man and suspect before the assault.
The victim is a 54-year-old Vancouver resident. According to his loved-ones, he is a frequent visitor at the park, and likes to sit and hang out in the area.
Police believe there were people in the area nearby who may have seen or heard something that Saturday afternoon, but did not realize the seriousness of the incident at the time, said Doucette.
“If I was going by, I may not have even noticed, but in hindsight, maybe someone noticed things getting a bit rowdy or something that stands out.”
Police released photos of the victim’s backpack and bicycle in the hopes it jogs a potential witness’s memory.
Anyone who recognizes the man from the day of the incident is asked to contact police at 604-717-2541.