Metro Vancouver Transit Police are asking for help to identify a man who allegedly attacked a woman on a bus when she stood up to him for making racist remarks in April — an incident that has shocked and appalled Canadians across the country.

In a news release published yesterday, police said the man boarded a bus in Vancouver at approximately 4:25 pm on April 15. When two Asian women wearing masks got on the bus shortly after, the man began heckling them and said "Go back to your country; that’s where it all started."

#MVTPMediaRelease Metro Vancouver Transit Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who allegedly attacked a woman, pulling her hair and punching her multiple times while on a bus. Please call or text at 604-516-7419 or 87.77.77 https://t.co/JFnZeR4sYd pic.twitter.com/fOzR23vX8d

— Cst. Mike Yake (@CstMYake) May 12, 2020

A brave woman sitting across from him began to defend the two women and told him to leave them alone, which led to a brief argument between the man and woman where he allegedly threatened her.

"Moments later, the suspect allegedly jumped up and kicked the victim in the leg. As the victim stood up to defend herself, the suspect allegedly reached over and violently pulled the victim’s hair, pulling so hard that a large clump of hair was pulled from her head," reads the news release.

"The suspect allegedly punched the victim numerous times in the head and wrestled her to the ground. While pinned to the floor of the bus, the victim was able to fight the suspect off. The suspect left the bus and was last seen running away near Commercial Drive and East Hastings."

The victim suffered from a bruised leg and injured scalp after the alleged assault, and police are now in search of the man who is described as a Caucasian male, 45-55 years old, approximately 5'6 and weighing 180 lbs with a stocky build. 

Meanwhile, Canadians have been taking to social media to express their disgust and disappointment that an incident like this could happen here. 

There is no place for #hate & #racism Together we can #stop #racist actions. We are all in this together. #BC #bcpoli If you have any info Contact the Metro Vancouver Transit Police tip line at 604.516.7419 or text 87.77.77 and refer to file 2020-7645. https://t.co/8xafvoStgo

— Jinny Sims (@jinnysims) May 13, 2020

Many are sharing information about the incident in hopes of helping police identify the man.

Contact Metro #Vancouver Transit #Police at 604.516.7419 or text at 87.77.77 and refer to file 2020-7645.#goodsamaritan #SpeakUp #assault #crime #racism https://t.co/HzzAmVJj2m

— JasperKiddo (@JasperKiddo) May 12, 2020

Others are calling the incident "shameful" and "despicable" and saying he should have to face consequences for his actions.

Absolutely horrible ! Please find this man, lock him up for good.

— ILoveRealGravy (@romansCh7Vs18) May 12, 2020

And many are wondering why it took so long for police to inform the public of the incident.

Can someone explain why it takes so long to release the picture? It's been almost a month now. Why not right away and get him off the street sooner. I understand it takes time to gather evidence but not a month!

— Raj Singh (@RajuSinngh) May 12, 2020

Residents are also highlighting the fact that, while the incident was undeniably awful, at least someone was courageous enough to stand up to the man's racist remarks.

"yarp" lookin ass

the only good part of this is that someone did stand up for the people he was abusing. Bus drivers need to be given batons in Vancouver or something, jfc https://t.co/23TZgbiLDI

— jessica a.m. 🍤 (@my2k) May 12, 2020

"Metro Vancouver Transit Police would like to speak to anyone with information about the identity of this suspect or who witnessed this incident," police said in the release.

"Violence and racism have no place on the transit system."