Vancouver woman says she’s disappointed random assault suspect already released

A 60-year-old woman named Bethan Jones reported being the victim of a random assault in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday when Jones, who had just picked up groceries, was crossing East Hastings Street and Clark Street. A man turned around and assaulted her, slamming his fist into her face.

Jones told Global News that the suspect fled, claiming self-defense. However, Luke Gaskin, who witnessed the incident, said the attack was not self-defense and that the man was trying to explain that Jones was on her phone when the assault occurred.

Police arrested the suspect, 36-year-old Kurtis Hummer, a few blocks away, and charged him with assault causing bodily harm. Hummer was released hours later on conditions, including staying away from a specific area and maintaining no contact with Jones or another witness, Luke Gaskin. Jones expressed fear and disappointment over Hummer's release, stating that she is concerned he will attack her again.

Hummer has a history of convictions for theft, break and enter, and breaching conditions on Vancouver Island. Police have previously been alerted to his presence in Vancouver on several occasions.