Three Teen Girls Arrested for Violent Attacks on Transit Passengers in British Columbia

Vancouver, Canada — Three teenage girls have been detained and are facing charges following two violent incidents on public transportation in British Columbia, involving assaults on fellow female passengers. Metro Vancouver Transit Police stressed the gravity of the offenses, which occurred in separate episodes on the same night, casting a shadow over the safety of public transit.

The assailants, aged 13, 15, and 17, hail from Surrey and Abbotsford. Their arrests followed investigations into the assaults, which took place over the summer and drew considerable attention from local authorities due to their severity and the young ages of everyone involved.

The initial altercation broke out on the evening of July 11. A 16-year-old international homestay student was traveling on a SkyTrain from Columbia Station towards Surrey when an attempt was made by one of the suspects to force open the carriage doors while the train was in motion. In an effort to halt this dangerous activity, the student intervened, only to become a target herself. She was encircalled, punched, kicked, and her hair was yanked, resulting in injuries that necessitated hospital treatment, the specifics of which remain undisclosed.

Onlookers on the train intervened, aiding the victim until assistance arrived. Two SkyTrain employees promptly notified authorities and ensured the student received immediate medical help upon arrival at Surrey Central Station.

Later that same night, the same group of teenagers confronted an 18-year-old woman aboard a bus after midnight at the intersection of 160th Street and 100th Avenue. What began as a verbal skirmish rapidly escalated. The victim of this second assault also faced physical violence, including punches, kicks, and the pulling of her hair.

Quick action by the bus driver helped in managing the situation, resulting in the prompt arrival of the Surrey Police Service and Transit Police at the scene. These rapid responses prevented further harm and ensured the safety of other passengers.

Amidst these startling incidents, Const. Amanda Steed offered words of gratitude towards those who stepped up during these crises. “The immediate intervention by bystanders and transit staff was crucial. Their courageous actions under distressing circumstances played a vital role in managing the situations and aiding the victims,” she explained.

The legal implications for the suspects are serious, with charges including assault causing bodily harm. Due to their juvenile status, their identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Each suspect faces multiple charges, with two of the three facing an additional count of assault.

As the community reels from these events, Const. Steed emphasized the resources available to passengers who might feel unsafe. “We urge anyone feeling threatened to use our text line or dial 911 in emergencies. Our priority is the safety and security of all transit users,” she advised.

All three suspects remain in custody pending further court proceedings, marking a tense wait for a legal resolution to a case that has highlighted critical issues of public safety and youth involvement in violent acts.