A British Columbia man is facing charges after allegedly shooting a sex worker in the back during a drug-fueled birthday celebration, according to court documents.
The incident occurred on March 27, when the accused, identified as 33-year-old John Smith, hired a sex worker to join him and his friends for a night of partying in a Vancouver hotel room.
According to the Crown’s case, Smith and his friends had been consuming a mix of drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, throughout the evening. At one point, Smith became agitated and accused the sex worker of stealing his drugs.
The court heard that Smith then pulled out a handgun and shot the sex worker in the back as she tried to flee the room. The bullet narrowly missed her spine and she was able to escape and call for help.
The victim, who cannot be named due to a publication ban, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. She has since been released and is expected to make a full recovery.
Smith was arrested and charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and several firearms-related offences. He has been in custody since his arrest and appeared in court on Monday for a bail hearing.
During the hearing, the Crown argued that Smith poses a danger to the public and should be denied bail. The defence countered that Smith has no prior criminal record and has strong ties to the community.
The judge reserved his decision on the bail application and Smith will remain in custody until a decision is made.
This incident has sparked concerns about the safety of sex workers, who often face violence and exploitation in their line of work. Organizations such as the BC Coalition of Experiential Communities are calling for better protections and support for sex workers.
The case has been adjourned until April 19, when Smith is expected to enter a plea. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact the Vancouver Police Department.
