Vancouver Police issue public warning for those visiting Stanley Park

Vancouver Police have issued a public warning for Stanley Park after two attacks in the past three months.

Stanley Park
Best Running Spot in Canada
Photo: Stirl and Rae.

Vancouver Police have issued a public warning for Stanley Park following two attacks in the area.

The warning comes after two “random” attacks in Stanley Park, the world-renowned 1,001-acre park which borders downtown Vancouver. The latest attack involved a man named Lubo Kunik, 61, who was killed on the seawall. That occurred on Feb. 1. Another victim, 82, remains in hospital following a Nov. 16 incident.

Vancouver Police are emphasizing that people take “extra caution” if they are in the park at night. An investigation remains ongoing.

The seawall, which surrounds the perimeter of the park, is considered one of the better places to run in Vancouver as it offers views of both the ocean and mountains. An extensive trail system, popular for those looking for softer surfaces, winds through the park’s interior.

RELATED: Hypothermic Half-Marathon goes off as planned in snow-filled Vancouver.

Vancouver police are asking anyone with information to contact them. More details can be found below.

RELATED: 2016 Golden Shoe Awards: Best Running Spot in Canada – Stanley Park.

Full statement

“Vancouver Police are issuing a public warning following two apparent random attacks in Stanley Park.

Just after 2 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, a citizen driving past the north parking lot of Brockton Oval in Stanley Park spotted an 82-year-old man alone in his car in apparent distress. Officers arrived to find the man suffering from serious, traumatic injuries. The victim of this violent attack remains in hospital.

Detectives from the VPD’s Major Crime Section have been investigating this incident for the past three months, and have not yet been able to identify a suspect or a motive. The attack appears to be random.

Eleven weeks after the incident at Brockton Oval, 61-year-old Lubo Kunik was walking by himself on the seawall in Stanley Park when he was attacked and killed. Shortly before 11 p.m. on Feb. 1, a man walking his dog on the seawall between Second and Third Beach, located Mr. Kunik’s body and called police.

Detectives from the VPD’s Homicide Unit have not yet identified a suspect, or a motive. This attack also appears to be random. The person-of-interest that was identified and questioned on the night of the homicide has been released. The investigation remains very active.

“While there is no evidence to directly link these two serious incidents, we cannot confirm the events are not related,” says VPD Constable Jason Doucette. “In the absence of suspect information and motive, we feel it’s necessary to issue a public warning to alert people who may be in Stanley Park at night to use extra caution. We are encouraging those who choose to visit Stanley Park at night to not do so alone, and to report any suspicious behaviour to 9-1-1 immediately.”

The VPD are also asking for anyone who has any information about either of these incidents to call detectives at 604-717-2500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.”

Check out the latest buyer's guide:

The best trainers in Canada under $150

We curated the best performance trainers under $150 to meet your 2024 running goals, while staying on budget