Vancouver – Vancouver Police have arrested a man in connection with two attacks in the downtown core, which left one man dead and another with life-altering injuries. Investigators are treating the incidents as unprovoked stranger attacks.
“Attacks like these shake our collective sense of comfort and safety, and we’re grateful that a suspect was quickly taken into custody by our officers,” says VPD Chief Constable Adam Palmer. “Although it will take time before we have all of the answers, it does not appear either victim knew the suspect, and we believe these attacks were completely random.”
VPD officers responded at 7:38 a.m. today to reports of a man who had been attacked near Cathedral Square, at Richards Street and Dunsmuir. Officers found a man in his 50s who had been attacked with a knife, was bleeding from the head, and had suffered a severed hand. The man was taken to hospital for emergency treatment and is expected to survive.
Eight minutes later, at 7:46 a.m., VPD officers were called to West Georgia and Hamilton Street after a second man was attacked. Despite efforts to save his life, the man died at the scene. The victim’s identity and age have not yet been confirmed.
While investigators from VPD’s Major Crime Section and Forensic Identification Unit began collecting evidence from the two crime scenes, VPD patrol officers obtained images of the suspect, confirmed the two incidents were linked, and began searching for him.
Shortly after 9 a.m., officers located the suspect on Habitat Island, near the Olympic Village, after responding to reports that a man behaving erratically had approached a stranger and began yelling at him. The suspect, a 34-year-old White Rock resident, was taken into custody and is currently at the Vancouver Jail.
“I applaud the witnesses who called police immediately and provided timely information,” adds Chief Palmer. “I am also extremely proud of the brave VPD officers who responded quickly to tend to the victims, to gather evidence, to arrest the suspect, and to stop this imminent public safety threat.”
Witnesses, or anyone with information who had not yet come forward, are asked to call Vancouver Police Homicide at 604-717-2500.
The Suspect's Troubled Past
The suspect, whose identity has not been released as charges have yet to be laid, has a long and disturbing history of encounters with law enforcement. Chief Palmer revealed that the suspect had over 60 documented interactions with police throughout Metro Vancouver, including a conviction for assault and assault causing bodily harm. At the time of the attacks, the suspect was on probation for a 2023 assault.
“This appears to be a very troubled man who has a lengthy history of mental health-related incidents,” said Chief Palmer.
The City's Response
The attacks have prompted a wave of concern and calls for action from city and provincial officials. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, calling the incidents “deeply disturbing.” Sim also emphasized the need for increased funding to address the root causes of violence, particularly unmet mental health needs, calling on the province and federal government to step up.
“We need the province and the federal government to address these gaps,” Sim said.
B.C. Premier David Eby, while expressing his condolences and acknowledging the progress made in reducing violent offenses, pledged to investigate the incidents and ensure public safety. He also vowed to unveil new policy proposals to address mental health and addiction issues.
“We’ve got to find ways to do even more,” Eby said.
Calls for Change
Chief Palmer also expressed concern about the revolving door of justice and urged for stricter bail conditions and a more stringent justice system to prevent repeat offenders from cycling in and out of the system. He further called for increased mental health and addiction support services in the community.
“I think we have to realize that there’s too many unwell people walking around on our streets,” he said.
A City On Edge
The attacks have left Vancouver shaken, raising concerns about public safety. While Chief Palmer stressed that the city remains safe and that such random attacks are not common, the incidents have highlighted the ongoing challenges of addressing mental health and addiction issues, as well as the need for a more effective justice system to prevent repeat offenses.
A Time for Action
As the city grapples with the aftermath of these attacks, the spotlight is on officials to address the root causes of violence and provide adequate support for those struggling with mental health and addiction issues. It is a time for action and a call for collaboration between all levels of government to ensure a safer future for Vancouver and all its residents.
