A man wanted B.C.-wide for allegedly assaulting a mom and her toddler is back in custody, after VPD officers arrested him in Chinatown earlier today.
Shakwan Kelly, 27, was arrested shortly before 8 a.m. on Keefer Street, after a witness recognized him from media reports and flagged over a VPD officer who was patrolling the neighbourhood.
Kelly, who was wanted for failing to attend court following the alleged July 9 assault, was returned to jail.
Vancouver Police are seeking additional witnesses after a mom and her toddler were struck and knocked over by a suspect running through Chinatown earlier this month.
“This assault occurred in a busy neighbourhood and was witnessed by about a dozen people,” says Sergeant Steve Addison. “Although we’ve spoken to some witnesses, we’re still collecting evidence and we’d like to hear from others who saw or heard what happened.”
The assault occurred after Vancouver Police responded to reports of a shirtless man walking in traffic and kicking cars around 10:45 a.m. on July 9. The suspect allegedly kicked one car so hard that it caused a dent in one of the doors.
As VPD officers responded, the suspect took off running through Chinatown, striking a 40-year-old mother and her toddler who were standing on the south side of East Pender, near Gore Avenue. The mom was knocked to the ground and struck her head. The child suffered multiple scrapes.
VPD officers arrested the suspect moments later on Main Street.
Shakwan David Kelly, 27, was initially taken to jail by Vancouver Police, then released from custody after being charged with mischief, assault and obstructing a peace officer. He failed to return for his scheduled court appearance on July 12 and is now wanted B.C.-wide.
Witnesses to the assault are asked to call 604-717-4021.
