A 25-year-old man is in custody following a violent attack on a contracted custodian providing cleaning services at SkyTrain. 

On Monday, January 25, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the employee was working on a SkyTrain headed to VCC Clark Station. He was approached by a man who, allegedly, without provocation, violently punched him in the face. The victim was struck so hard that he lost multiple teeth and began bleeding heavily from the mouth. 

Transit Police were on scene within minutes and the suspect was arrested on a SkyTrain car at VCC Clark Station. The victim was brought to the hospital by paramedics to be treated for his injuries. 

Arrested and charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm is 25-year-old Ismael Konate of no fixed address, who is well known to police. Konate was released from custody with multiple conditions, including not to have contact with the victim, not to be on SkyTrain and not to possess firearms or weapons. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 9 in Vancouver Provincial Court. 

Metro Vancouver Transit Police said that reducing frontline workplace assaults is a priority for them and no one should ever be subject to violence at work. 

“An attack like this is reprehensible. This employee was providing an essential and highly valuable service to the public by maintaining a clean and healthy space for transit users during a pandemic. Everyone has the right to ride on transit without fear of harassment or assault, including frontline employees who keep the system moving,” said Sgt. Clint Hampton.