A suspect has been arrested by Metro Vancouver Transit Police following an alleged assault in Surrey that left a 78-year-old woman in critical condition.
Shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, the woman was walking near Surrey Central Station when a man allegedly approached her from behind and aggressively shoulder-checked her as he passed. She was knocked to the ground with significant force, striking her head against a concrete wall and the pavement. The suspect then fled the area.
The woman suffered serious head injuries and was transported to hospital by BC Ambulance Service. She remains in stable but critical condition.
Later that evening, police arrested a man who matched the description of the suspect. Evan Michael Scott Abbott has been charged with aggravated assault and remains in custody pending a bail hearing.
Transit Police thanked two witnesses who saw the incident, called 9-1-1 and stayed at the scene to assist the injured woman and provide statements to investigators.
“Transit Police would like to thank the two witnesses who each saw the incident unfold, called 9-1-1 and then remained on the scene to assist the victim and provide statements to police officers,” said Constable Sunny Kainth. “We appreciate the time they took to help a stranger and assist with the investigation.”