Five party bus riders arrested after brawl with police

Vancouver police arrested five people early Saturday after a melee with passengers on a party bus downtown.

About midnight Friday, police responded to a report of an assault at Alberni and Thurlow streets, VPD Sgt. Randy Fincham said in an emailed reply to questions.

Officers were told the suspect in the assault had boarded a party bus. Shortly after, that bus was located at Burrard and Nelson streets.

“When officers attempted to identify them an responsible for the assault, others on the party bus attempted to fight with the police,” Fincham said.

Four people were arrested for breach of peace and one woman was arrested for assaulting an officer. No one was injured.

Photos from the scene identify the party bus as one belonging to Silverstar Limousine Service.

A man who answered the phone at Silverstar said he wasn’t authorized to comment on the incident while the company’s manager was away from the office.

Last month, a 23-year-old woman was killed when she fell from a party bus operated by Silver Lady Limousine Service.

In response to the death, the B.C. Limousine Association said it would work with Transportation Minister Todd Stone to see if tighter regulations are needed to prevent further tragedies.