Man arrested after disrupting Granville Street World Cup fan zone with assault

Vancouver police have approved assault charges against a man arrested Monday for violent behaviour at the Granville Street pedestrian party zone during the World Cup.

At around 6 p.m., officers patrolling the busy soccer fan area were approached by a woman who reported a man had swung his fist in her direction. As officers moved to speak with him, they observed him attempt to punch another woman. The man fled but was caught after a short foot chase.

Sergeant Adam Donaldson said the man had been the subject of multiple complaints involving "violence and confrontational behaviour" along Granville since the pedestrian zone was set up in June for the tournament. The charge comes as the World Cup fan activations wind down following the final matches at BC Place.