Canada man charged with attempted robbery after attack
A 31-year-old man has been charged with attempted robbery after allegedly attacking a woman at a train station in Calgary, a city in western Canada.
According to police, the incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. on Sunday when the victim was waiting at the Third Street S.E. CTrain station, part of Calgary’s light rail transit system. The suspect approached the woman, grabbed her water bottle, splashed her with it, and then physically restrained her while demanding her cellphone.
The man fled the scene without taking the phone, and the victim immediately called the police. With the help of witnesses, officers located and arrested the suspect in a nearby area about 25 minutes later.
Authorities identified the suspect as Braydon Joseph James French, 31, of Calgary. He has been charged with one count of attempted robbery.
A video of the attack, which circulated widely on social media, shows more than a dozen bystanders watching the incident without physically intervening. The footage has sparked public discussion about safety concerns on Canada’s public transit systems and the reluctance of individuals to step in during violent situations.
Police stated that the attack does not appear to be racially motivated. However, the Calgary Police Service Diversity Resource Team is engaging with the victim and other community members affected by the incident.
Michael Pratt, the City of Calgary’s Acting Deputy Chief of Transit Public Safety, emphasized that improving safety and reducing crime on the transit system remains a high priority. However, some transit users continue to express concerns, particularly about security during late-night hours.
“It’s a big problem. I think the police and the authorities should have more protection for the people,” said Calgary Transit rider Simin Moradi. Another local, Dominique Betts, expressed surprise that no bystanders attempted to intervene. “You’d think someone would step up, but I guess it’s hard to know what to do in situations like that.”
Police have credited witness cooperation in aiding the quick arrest of the suspect. The investigation remains ongoing.
