Woman charged in alleged Downtown Eastside stabbing, Vancouver police say

A 29-year-old woman is facing multiple charges following an alleged stabbing involving a stranger in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside early Sunday morning, according to police.

Vancouver Police say an officer on patrol near the intersection of Hastings and Abbott streets was approached around 2:50 a.m. by several people who reported their friend had just been assaulted. Investigators allege the suspect used a knife to slash the victim’s shoulder before fleeing the area.

Police located the suspect shortly afterward and arrested her following a brief foot pursuit. Officers deployed a taser during the arrest, VPD said.

The victim, a 31-year-old man, was taken to hospital for treatment and is expected to recover from his injuries.

Heather Pitsanuk has been charged with one count of assault with a weapon and one count of assault causing bodily harm. Police say she was also wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for breaching parole, as well as a B.C.-wide warrant for failing to comply with a probation order at the time of her arrest. She remains in custody.

Incidents involving random violence continue to be a concern in the Downtown Eastside, an area that sees a heavy police presence due to ongoing public safety and social challenges.