Man accused of threatening SkyTrain worker, attacking passenger in racist tirade

NEW WESTMINSTER (NEWS 1130) – A man has been arrested after what Transit Police describe as a “racially charged tirade” that involved threats and violence on SkyTrain this week.

It all started Tuesday night at around 9 p.m., when police say a SkyTrain attendant asked the man to step off the train at 22nd Street Station.

“He had vomit on his clothing, there was vomit in the train car, and it needed to be cleaned,” Sgt. Clint Hampton explained.

“The man took exception to this and allegedly began threatening the SkyTrain attendant and hurling racial expletives toward him. The man then boarded another train car, where he turned his attention to a passenger and continued his racial tirade,” he added.

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Police say the man then demanded the passenger give him all of his money before coming “within inches” of the victim’s face.

“The man allegedly told the passenger to give him his headphones, stating something to the effect of, ‘Don’t make me stab you with a screwdriver,'” Hampton said, noting the victim did not see any screwdriver.

‘Enraged’ man cornered victim in elevator, police say

When the train pulled up at Royal Oak Station, police say the victim tried to take a picture of the man as he walked away.

Hampton says this “enraged” the man, who ran after the victim as they tried to hide in an elevator.

“Unfortunately, the suspect was able to get to the elevator just as the door was closing and he was able to pry the door open with his hands. He then allegedly punched the victim multiple times, upwards of 30 times, stealing the victim’s headphones before leaving the SkyTrain station,” he said.

A suspect was arrested a short time later at the same SkyTrain station. Clinton Sebastiano of no fixed address is charged with robbery and uttering threats. Hampton says the 31-year-old is well-known to police.

Sebastiano remains in custody ahead of a court appearance next week.

“Everyone has the right to travel on transit feeling safe,” Hampton said. “Violence in any form will never be tolerated. If you experience or witness anything that makes you feel unsafe, especially if it appears to be fueled by racism or hate, let Transit Police know immediately.”