A man has been charged after an alleged unprovoked assault in downtown Vancouver that sent a woman to hospital Tuesday morning.

The Vancouver Police Department say the incident occurred near the intersection of Hastings and Seymour streets when a woman was walking in the area.

A suspect allegedly approached the woman and struck her in the abdomen before walking away. She was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and received treatment.

A witness who saw the incident called 911 and followed the suspect, helping officers quickly locate and arrest him.

VPD says 49-year-old William Pitt has been charged with one count of assault with a weapon and one count of assault causing bodily harm.

Pitt remains in custody.