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Man accused in B.C. Crown prosecutor attack seeks new lawyer

The prosecutor was attacked Feb. 2 as she walked with a security officer to Vancouver's provincial courthouse at 222 Main Street.
crown-lawyer-attack-feb-02-2024
A B.C. Crown prosecutor was attacked in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside Feb. 2.

The man alleged to have attacked a Crown prosecutor near a Vancouver courthouse is looking for a new lawyer.

The prosecutor was attacked Feb. 2 as she walked with a security officer to Vancouver’s provincial courthouse at 222 Main Street.

The attack occurred about 9 a.m. with witnesses at the scene saying another related attack nearby.

The prosecutor was taken to hospital.

Kenyon Thomas Lavallee, 28, was charged with assault causing bodily harm in the case of the prosecutor and assault in the case of a second woman less than a block away.

For the same day, Lavallee is charged with having an air gun, a weapon considered dangerous to the public peace.

Also for Feb. 2, Lavallee is charged with assaulting an on-duty peace officer.

Sources have told Glacier Media a jail guard was either punched in the face or spat on.

Lavallee is also facing charges that he allegedly improperly used a fire alarm twice at a Tim Horton’s on Terminal Avenue on Oct, 16, 2023.

He appeared before Vancouver Provincial Court Judge Katherine Denhoff on March 7.

Denhoff heard Lavallee has fired former lawyer Julia Hung and intends to apply for a new lawyer through legal aid.

Appearing by video from North Fraser Pretrial Centre, Lavallee told the judge he has not applied for a lawyer yet as he has been under lockdown for two days.

“I’ll try and get it done today, ma’am,” he said.

Lawyer Chris Johnson has been appointed Crown prosecutor in the case and told the judge Hung has full disclosure in his case and will give it to his new lawyer.

Lavallee remains in custody. He has yet to have a bail hearing.

The attack scene

Ambulances were at both assault scenes as were many VPD officers and members of the BC Sheriff Service.

The prosecutor lay crumpled under a blanket on the pavement outside 145 East Cordova as people gave her first aid while awaiting paramedics.

Several lightly bloodied towels could be seen.

Glacier Media has opted not to publish the victims’ names given the nature of their work and location.

The attack prompted a review of security for both lawyers and the general public at the courthouse and prompted a visit from Attorney General Niki Sharma.