Authorities are asking witnesses to come forward following a series of alarming incidents in downtown Vancouver this week. The Vancouver Police Department said officers arrested a man under the Mental Health Act on Tuesday afternoon, but that there was insufficient evidence to recommend criminal charges against him. “The VPD is wanting to identify any outstanding victims or witnesses who may have had an encounter with this male, and we are asking them to contact police so we can fully investigate these incidents,” said Sgt. Adam Donaldson, in a statement. Officers were first approached near Robson and Howe streets by a witness who alleged a man had been “harassing a child on a bus,” the department said in a news release Friday. Police said they were unable to locate the child, but watched a man who matched the suspect description “enter and exit several businesses and approach a number of women.” Authorities characterized the incidents as “disturbing acts,” but have not provided any further details on the man’s alleged behaviour. The person they arrested is described as South Asian, 45-50 years old, 5’8” tall, with a slim build and black hair. He was wearing a white buttoned dress shirt and blue jeans. Police asked anyone with information on the incidents to call the department’s tip line.
