Saanich Police are asking for the public’s help to identify a man accused of assaulting a passenger and making racist remarks on a city bus last month.
Police say the incident happened on January 8th, as the victim was exiting Route 72 near Douglas Street and Kelvin Road.
During the exit, the victim’s gym bag accidentally brushed against another passenger.
According to investigators, the interaction escalated when the suspect began yelling anti-immigration and racist remarks before striking the victim in the arm and face.
The bus driver was able to de-escalate the situation and removed the suspect from the bus.
Police say the victim did not know the suspect.
The suspect is described as a man between 50 and 60-years-old, with medium-length grey hair and a white beard, and a medium build. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a camouflage jacket over a hoodie, blue jeans, a green baseball cap, and dark shoes.
Saanich Police are asking anyone with information that could help identify the suspect to contact police. Witnesses to the incident are also urged to come forward.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
