Richmond RCMP seek witnesses to alleged assault following racial slurs

AT approximately 2:08 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, Richmond RCMP attended Steveston Highway and No. 5 Road for reports of an assault in progress. Richmond RCMP frontline officers arrived on scene within minutes of being dispatched; however, the male alleged to have committed the assault had left the area.

The complainant told officers that he had parked his vehicle at 10820 No. 5 Road when a blue BMW pulled up beside him and the male inside allegedly started yelling racial slurs at him. The complainant said when he exited his vehicle, the male also got out and continued yelling racial slurs.

The complainant then got back into his vehicle and locked his doors. But the male continued making racist remarks while allegedly pounding on the complainant’s front passenger side window.

As this continued, the complainant said he decided to exit his vehicle a second time to seek refuge in a local business. But the male followed him, which is when the alleged assault occurred.

Richmond RCMP canvassed the area for video surveillance and subsequently identified and arrested a suspect in a few days.

However, according to the complainant there were other people in the area who witnessed this incident.

“An incident like this affects everyone in our community. While various evidence has been gathered, we want to hear from anyone who may have witnessed it,” said Cpl. Adriana Peralta. “We can also provide an opportunity for victim support, in many languages, and we are asking anyone who hasn’t already to come forward.”

The male in question is described as:

  • White
  • 5’8
  • With a fairly athletic build
  • With very short hair that was greying on the side
  • And spoke with an accent

The male was wearing:

  • A blue dress shirt
  • Grey vest
  • Black dress slacks

This investigation remains active. Richmond RCMP General Investigation Sections Unit has conduct of this investigation.

Richmond RCMP said they want to assure the public that all racially motivated incidents will be thoroughly investigated and that hate-motivated crimes are treated seriously. The safety and security of the public are paramount to the Richmond RCMP.

Anyone with information regarding this matter is asked to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 or by email at Richmond_Tips@rcmp-grc.gc.ca and quote file number 2020-13295. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).