Witnesses sought after random attack at downtown Victoria bus stop

A woman waiting for a bus in downtown Victoria was randomly assaulted Sunday night in what police are describing as an unprovoked attack.

According to VicPD, the alleged assault happened on July 5th at approximately 10:30 p.m. in the 600 block of Johnson Street.

Police say the woman was waiting at a bus stop when she was suddenly struck in the head by an unknown man. The suspect then fled the area on foot, heading south.

Police believe there may have been witnesses nearby and are asking anyone who saw what happened to come forward.

The suspect is described as a man in his 30s or 40s with a medium build. He was wearing pants, a baseball cap and a dark hoodie or jacket.

VicPD are also seeking dashcam footage or CCTV video that may have captured activity in the area around 10:30 p.m. on July 5th. Investigators say even footage that appears unrelated could help establish the suspect’s movements before or after the assault.

Anyone with information or video is asked to contact the E-Comm non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654, and reference file number 26-27746.

The incident comes just days after another serious assault in Greater Victoria, though the circumstances were very different and unrelated.

On Friday, July 3rd, just before 5 p.m., Saanich Police responded to a serious assault in the 4000 block of Quadra Street. The victim remains in hospital in critical condition.

Police have charged 30-year-old Suleyman Budak with one count of aggravated assault. He was arrested at the scene and remains in custody.

Unlike the downtown Victoria assault, police say the victim and the suspect were known to each other.

The Saanich Police Major Crime Unit continues to investigate and is asking anyone who witnessed the incident or captured video in the area to email them.

The two investigations also follow another violent incident that drew significant public attention over the weekend, when a group of people was reportedly attacked near Dallas Road.

Three people were injured in that incident. Two suspects were arrested, charged and remain in police custody. That investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about either the Victoria or Saanich investigations is encouraged to contact either VicPD or Saanich Police.