A Shocking Act of Violence in Chinatown

In a disturbing incident that has rocked the Chinatown community, a 40-year-old resident, identified as Angelina, was violently assaulted by a group of teenage girls. The attack, captured on video, left her not only physically injured but emotionally scarred.

The Moment of Horror

On April 9, Angelina was enjoying a peaceful afternoon outside her Gore Avenue apartment with her beloved cat, Leonard, when a confrontation erupted. After one of the three teenage girls near a bus stop challenged her with the question, "What are you looking at?" Angelina's attempt to defuse the situation by responding "nothing" triggered a brutal assault.

"I was just in shock," she recalled. "All I could think was, ‘Don’t touch my cat’." As the girls began to stomp and kick her, Leonard desperately clung to the bars of the front door, terrified and helpless.

A Community in Fear

The violent episode lasted several agonizing minutes, during which a good Samaritan and a bystander who called 911 also became victims of the attackers. After the chaos, Angelina was left with serious injuries—including staples in her head, a concussion, and whiplash. She described how Leonard, once a joyful and outgoing cat, now spends his days hidden under the bed, shaken and distressed.

The Aftermath and Community Response

This harrowing experience has shattered Angelina's sense of safety in a neighborhood she previously loved. Unable to work due to her injuries, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover her medical expenses.

In the wake of the attack, Vancouver police arrested the three teenage girls, aged 15 to 17, but they were released shortly after. They are expected back in court in June. Angelina expressed her concerns, stating, "I know they haven’t been charged with anything, animal abuse-wise... but for my cat, I don’t think that's right."

Growing Concerns About Violence

Chris Livingstone, the executive director of the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre, highlighted the increasing violence in the area, saying, "People are not very tolerant of each other. We see a lot of racism.” He noted that many community members are grappling with mental health issues, and even a mere glance can provoke a violent reaction.

As Angelina recovers from her injuries, the community is left grappling with the scary reality that the streets they call home are becoming more dangerous. "If you’re a woman, how is it that you can walk around here and feel safe?" Livingstone pondered, emphasizing the need for a safer and more tolerant environment.

Join the Fight Against Local Violence

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgency to address the violent trends within urban communities. As support for Angelina grows, the call for systemic change reinforces the desire for safety and peace for all residents.