Man charged with robbery after victim struck with ‘small axe’ in Vancouver

Police officers in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. (CTV News)

Police in Vancouver say a 50-year-old man sustained minor injuries after he was struck in the face with an axe during a robbery in the city’s Downtown Eastside.

Patrol officers were approached by the victim shortly after noon Tuesday near the intersection of Main and East Hastings streets, the Vancouver Police Department said in a statement posted to social media.

The victim, who was bleeding from his face, told officers that a stranger struck him in the face with “a small axe” and stole his sunglasses, according to the statement.

“Fortunately, the victim sustained only minor injuries,” police said. “Officers quickly located and arrested the suspect nearby.”

According to the department, 30-year-old Steven Henry Hall has been charged with robbery and breach of probation.

Online court records show Hall was released from custody pending a scheduled court appearance on May 27.