A repeat offender allegedly attacked a tourist in Vancouver – British Columbia
There was another allegation attack from a stranger in the city center Vancouverthis time targeting a female tourist.
Vancouver police say the assault happened around 9 a.m. Sunday near the SkyTrain terminal at Waterfront Station on Howe Street.
Police said the helpless woman was hit in the head, knocked to the ground and punched multiple times, with her injuries requiring hospitalization.
Security cameras captured the incident and police arrested Massimo Falvo, 30, at a rooming house on Pender Street a few hours later. He is now charged with aggravated assault and remains behind bars.
Falvo is well known to the police.
Get the latest national news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up to receive breaking news alerts sent directly to you as they happen.
“He was on probation at the time of this offense for similar offenses that occurred in the past,” said Vancouver Police Sgt. » said Steve Addison.
In 2024, Falvo was convicted of assaulting four different people.
All incidents involved individuals being punched in the head. The British Columbia Prosecution Service confirmed he was sentenced to three years’ probation and one day in custody, taking into account 22 days of remand.
Even Falvo was surprised, posting “3 years probation for 4 separate assault charges.” I’m lucky I didn’t go to jail” on social media.
“The community expects that if a person is arrested once, twice, three times and now four times for serious crimes, violent and unprovoked attacks by strangers, there will be significant consequences,” he said. Addison told Global News.
Massimo Falvo is due back in court Wednesday morning.
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.