Richmond RCMP is asking for a male witness and potential witnesses in a passing vehicle to come forward after two women were randomly assaulted on Valentine's Day.
Two women, one in her 60s and the other in her 30s, were assaulted in separate incidents shortly after 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14 in the 6400 block of Buswell Street, between Cook and Saba roads.
Police are looking for a man who stopped to help the second woman who was "rendered unconscious for a brief time" after being assaulted at the same location around the same time of day as the first female victim.
"Investigators believe he may have witnessed the assault and would like to speak with him directly," said Cpl. Ian Henderson, spokesperson for the Richmond RCMP.
Police added they would also like to speak with the driver and occupants of a white Mercedes SUV captured on video in the area at the time of one of the assaults.
The first victim was sent to the hospital and stayed there for "quite some time," according to Henderson.
Her injuries were "life-threatening at one point" but she has stabilized now.
When asked whether the incident was considered a hate crime, Henderson said investigators "looked into it right away" as both women were of Asian descent.
"However, there is no evidence that hate was a motivation for these two assaults."
On Feb. 17, Richmond RCMP officers arrested Ernesto Mendoza Malgapo, 41, who has been charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm and additional charges are "anticipated."
Henderson confirmed that no weapon was used during the assault.
Anyone who may have witnessed these assaults, or who may have dash-cam video from the area, is asked to please call Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212.
"This was a serious assault and is shocking that this would happen on the street a little after 10 o'clock on a weekday morning."
Please quote file numbers 2023-4816 or 4877 when you call.
