The incident took place in an East Vancouver neighborhood near Broadway Street and Carolina Street on July 9. “We got an abandoned 911 call, someone called for help and the line got disconnected,” said Sgt. Steve Addison. “Through working with E-comm, we were able to locate the abandoned 911 call to a residence. When we arrived at the scene, our officers found that there was a crime in progress.” Addison continued: “We believed there was a woman who was forcibly locked in her home. We were able to enter to render aid to the woman and arrest the person we believe is responsible for this offence.” Story continues below ad
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A couple who witnessed part of the incident spoke to Global News, but did not identify themselves for security reasons. “We heard someone trying to kick in a door,” said one of the witnesses. “We heard a policeman at the door with his gun drawn, saying, ‘What’s going on here?’ You have to stop what you’re doing.” The couple told Global News they heard the woman say, “I can’t open the door, it won’t let me.” “Then came the ram.” Neighbors said the suspect tried to escape police by jumping from a third-story balcony, but didn’t get far. He reportedly landed on a first-floor balcony, breaking his leg.
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The Vancouver Police Department said officials have investigated more than 40 different “stranger attacks” this past spring, comparing them to learn why these types of incidents happen. Story continues below ad “What we’re seeing is that there are a significant number of cases where mental health is a factor,” Addison said. “In more than half (of the cases we studied), the suspects have previously been arrested under the BC Mental Health Act. Eight out of ten involve people who have previously been arrested for a criminal offence, and six out of 10 involve people who have previously been arrested and charged with a violent criminal offence.” After analyzing the cases, Addison said the VPD is starting to see “some trends.”
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Howard Lethbridge, 32, has been charged with sexual assault, unlawful restraint, trespassing and willfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer. Lethbridge is due in court for an appearance on Thursday, July 14. 2:14 VPD appeals for witnesses in Yaletown stabbing VPD appeals for witnesses in Yaletown Related News © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
