Image: Vancouver PD / The suspect in Monday night's assault in which he elbowed a woman.
Charge laid

29-year-old man charged for random assault against woman, was charged with 4 prior assaults: VPD

Jun 30, 2026 | 3:55 PM

VANCOUVER – Police in Vancouver say an assault charge has been laid against a 29-year-old man in an unprovoked attack on a woman Monday evening, the same suspect who was charged in four prior assaults against women in Vancouver.

The disturbing attack happened at approximately 6:20 p.m. Monday, June 29. The Vancouver PD says a woman was walking near East 1st Avenue and Commercial Drive when the man who was walking in the opposite direction allegedly elbowed her in the face.

The suspect has been identified as Dylan Brandon Gaita. He is the same suspect who was charged in connection with four alleged stranger assaults against women in the downtown core.

Vancouver Police previously issued a release in March 2026, after the same suspect was charged in connection with four alleged stranger assaults against women in the downtown core.

Gaita remains in custody, VPD said. He has been charged with one count of assault in relation to the June 29 incident.

Police are asking any member of the public who may have witnessed the June 29 incident, or have witnessed a similar incident in the past, to contact police. Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward.

“Incidents like this are serious and frightening for victims and witnesses,” said VPD spokesperson Constable Megan Lui. “Some people may feel too upset to talk to us. We encourage anyone with information to come forward and speak with investigators as they work on this case.”