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‘Intoxicated man’ arrested after unprovoked attack at popular Port Coquitlam park

Coquitlam RCMP say the attacker who allegedly pushed, hit and kicked a man visiting the park with his family had been drinking but officers haven’t seen a rise in problem behaviour at city parks since alcohol was permitted
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Coquitlam RCMP arrested a man Sunday in what is being characterized as an 'unprovoked' attack.

An “Intoxicated” man was arrested at a popular Port Coquitlam park for what police say was an alleged “unprovoked attack” against a man who was at the park with his family.

The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday (May 16) at Gates Park when dozens of people were in the area enjoying the afternoon.

According to police, the attacker reportedly pushed and kicked the male victim for no reason and when the man returned to his family, hit him again from behind.

“The victim walked back towards where the family was and the male followed and threw a soccer ball at him and hit him from behind again,” said Coquitlam RCMP spokesperson Cst. Deanna Law.

She said the attacker was “intoxicated” and police were told by witnesses they had seen the attacker drinking.

Gates Park is one of 10 city parks where alcohol is permitted, but Law says police haven’t seen an uptick in unruly behaviour since booze was allowed last spring.

“We have not seen a huge jump in numbers since this has come into play,” she said.

However, Law adds people should call police if they see someone who is obviously intoxicated because they could be a danger to themselves and others.

“If they see behaviour that is belligerent and obnoxious and that someone is intoxicated, they should call police so we can attend. They will be arrested and will be brought to cells to sober up.”

The investigation into Sunday’s attack is ongoing, she further added.

City council approved the alcohol in parks initiative last year after a successful pilot, during which police said they hadn’t seen any increase in problems.

Port Coquitlam parks where alcohol is permitted are:

• Peace Park, 1470 Kebet Way

• Dominion Park, Ranger Lane

• McLean Park, 3155 Wellington St.

• Castle Park, 2252 Castle Cres.

• Settlers Park, 1250 Confederation Dr.

• Gates Park, 2300 Reeve St. 

• Lions Park, 2300 Lions Way.

• Aggie Park, 3050 Chester St.

• Evergreen Park, Cornwall St.

• Cedar Drive Park, 950 Prairie Ave.