British Columbia man pleads not guilty to pushing senior to move SkyTrain

A man charged with aggravated assault for allegedly pushing a 70-year-old man onto a SkyTrain earlier this year said he will represent himself in court after pleading not guilty.

Tyler Dane Meetoos appeared before Judge Reginald Harris in Vancouver Provincial Court on October 16.

The incident happened on March 11, shortly before 3 p.m., according to Metro Vancouver Transit Police.

“An elderly person was waiting on the platform to board a SkyTrain at Granville Station in Vancouver,” police said. “He heard shouting behind him, but did not respond.”

When the train arrived, he was “violently pushed forward,” police said.

“The train was not yet completely stopped when the victim was pushed, so yes, the train was still moving, but not at full speed,” said Const. » said Amanda Steed. “The force of the push sent him headfirst into the side of the train.”

Passengers came between him and the suspect.

The suspect then fled while witnesses called 911.

The victim underwent surgery for head and facial injuries.

Police arrested Meetoos a few days later.

He received a banning order from SkyTrain stations.

Defense attorney Christina Godlewska told Harris she would need time to prepare for trial.

“Are you sure you don’t want a lawyer for all of this?” Harris asked Meetoos.

“That’s correct, Your Honor,” Meetoos replied.

Meetoos also faces charges of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and possession of a knife for a dangerous purpose in relation to the incidents on November 26, 2023.

The matter will return to court in two weeks to confirm future court dates.

With files from Brendan Kergin