Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police

The intersection of Commercial Drive and East 2nd Avenue is seen on Sunday, July 17, 2022. (CTV)

A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.

Police said the incident happened at about 2:15 p.m. near Commercial Drive and East 2nd Avenue.

The mother, who is 32 and from Vancouver, was in the backseat of a parked car when a stranger opened the door and got in. The victim's husband and another family member were also in the car at the time.

"The victim and witnesses say the suspect was reaching for and grabbing at the mother and baby," the Vancouver Police Department said in an emailed statement to CTV News.

Police said the mother "screamed, held onto the baby, and attempted to fight off" the suspect.

Bystanders intervened and held the 26-year-old suspect until police officers arrived and arrested her. She has since been charged with assault and remains in custody until her next court appearance.

"The mother had minor injuries. The baby was unharmed," the VPD's statement said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the VPD's special investigation section at 604-717-0601.