Vancouver police seeking witnesses in 'unprovoked' assault being investigated as hate crime

EDITOR'S NOTE: On Aug.29, Vancouver police confirmed they had identified all of the people suspected to have participated in an assault that took place during Pride Week, between July 27 and Aug. 3. Because the suspectsare under the age of 18, the CBC has now removed the video from this story.

The Vancouver Police Department saysit'slooking for witnesses as it investigates anattack atCommercial Drive and 10th Avenue on July 31.

According to police, a 42-year-old man was assaulted by three men on the sidewalk outside a convenience store just after midnight that day.

Police sayafter the victimattendedPride celebrations downtownhe wentto the store to get a slushie, and becameinvolved in a verbal confrontation.He allegedly had an argument with another person waiting in line at the convenience store, and was then assaulted after stepping outside.

In CCTV video of the incident shared by police, the attack begins after one of thetwo women with the groupthrowsa drink at the man. He is thenjumped and pummeled to the ground by the three men. His slushie is seen splattering on the pavement, and he holds his head in his hands after the assault.

The two women stay off to the side of the assault. They subsequently left together with the three male attackers. According to police, the suspects hurled homophobic slurs at the victim during the attack.

"We believe this incident may have been motivated by hate, and we're asking anyone who recognizes the people in this video to contact our investigators," said Const. Tania Visintin in a statement.

"The video shows a number of people passing through the area, including people in cars and a cyclist who stopped to help but did not remain on scene when police arrived."

Police say the three attackers were men in their 20s. One of them was wearing a black T-shirt and pants, with black shoes that had orange soles. The two other men were wearing white T-shirts and dark coloured shorts, with white shoes.

Anyone with more information is asked to contact VPD at604-717-9209 or emailhate.crimes@vpd.ca.