Vancouver police announce arrest in attempted abduction, brutal beating

VANCOUVER – Vancouver Police say they have made an arrest in connection with a brutal assault on a woman from the city’s Downtown Eastside.

Investigators say more information will be released later today about the arrest of a man Thursday in connection with the attempted abduction on March 4.

The 42-year-old victim was tied up and beaten after being picked up by a man driving a white van.

Witnesses reported seeing her being dragged behind the van after she had managed to partially free herself and jump from the vehicle.

The woman suffered a head injury and severe cuts and road rash, but was able to describe her attacker as having a moustache or goatee, and possibly speaking with an Australian accent.

Surveillance video of the suspect’s van was released on March 11 and police urged anyone with information to call them or Crime Stoppers.