VPD seeks suspect in random BB gun attack near Sunnyside Park

A man leaving Sunnyside Park at about 7:30 p.m. felt a stinging sensation in his left calf and believed he had been hit by a BB pellet. The Vancouver Police Department is now asking for help identifying the man it suspects was responsible for what it describes as a random attack.

The incident happened near Kingsway and East 17th Avenue, a stretch of the Kensington-Cedar Cottage area that people cross daily on their way to and from the park. Police said the victim had only minor injuries.

According to the VPD, the man looked around and saw someone in a face covering and hoodie sitting on a nearby bench, whom he believed was responsible. He confronted him and said he was calling 911. A brief altercation followed, and the suspect fled.

Officers carried out extensive patrols of the area but did not locate him.

Police describe the suspect as a white man, about 50 years old, 5'10" tall, with a medium build. He was wearing a face covering, a dark hoodie, a construction tool belt and tan cargo pants.

Anyone with information, or with potential CCTV footage, is asked to call the VPD non-emergency line at 604-717-3321.