A Vancouver Police officer was assaulted yesterday evening while trying to gain control of a violent passenger on a transit bus.

Just after 6 p.m. on December 5, VPD officers responded to a call in the area of Broadway Street and Heather Street to assist transit security in removing a male passenger who was allegedly masturbating on a bus.

The passenger refused to exit the bus and became aggressive. A physical altercation ensued involving the man, the VPD officer and two transit security officers. He struck the VPD officer in the face and then attempted to disarm the officer by grabbing his gun. He was unsuccessful but managed to remove the officer’s baton.

“Our officers put themselves at risk every day for the safety of the public,” says Constable Tania Visintin, VPD. “This incident is an example of the bravery our members display daily.”

The man was arrested for assaulting and disarming a police officer and was taken to jail.

The VPD officer is expected to return to work today.