A 17-year-old faces four aggravated-assault charges after a stabbing injured four people, including bystanders, in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
Arrest Follows Downtown Eastside Stabbings
Vancouver Police have arrested and charged a 17-year-old after four people were stabbed in the city’s Downtown Eastside on Wednesday evening. Investigators say the incident unfolded near East Hastings Street and Jackson Avenue, an area known for heavy pedestrian traffic and community services.
Victims Taken to Hospital
According to police, four people—three men and one woman aged between 33 and 60—were taken to hospital with stab wounds. Officers believe one of the victims was the intended target, while three others were bystanders caught in the attack.
Quick Arrest in Same Neighbourhood
Police say the suspect was located and arrested at another location within the same neighbourhood only hours after the assaults. He has since been charged with four counts of aggravated assault and remains in custody.
Investigation Into Motive Ongoing
Detectives are continuing to investigate what led to the violence. While they suspect one victim was deliberately targeted, the motive for the attack has not yet been determined. Authorities are also reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements to piece together the events leading up to the stabbings.
Community Reacts to Violence
The incident has renewed safety concerns in the Downtown Eastside, a community often dealing with overlapping social and public-safety issues. Police emphasized that the attack appears to be isolated and that no ongoing threat to the public has been identified.
Next Steps in the Case
The youth, whose name cannot be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is scheduled to appear in court following Thursday’s formal charges. Vancouver police continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with video footage from the area around East Hastings and Jackson on Wednesday evening.
