Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a random stabbing on the White Rock Promenade on Sunday night.
White Rock RCMP responded to a report of a person with a stab wound around 9 p.m., April 21, according to a release. The incident occurred east of the city’s pier.
The 28-year-old victim was taken to hospital with “non-life-threatening injuries” after receiving first aid until paramedics arrived.
“White Rock RCMP is actively exploring all avenues of investigation to gather necessary evidence to identify, locate and arrest the suspect,” the release said.
“The investigation is in the early stages, and the motive is undetermined. Based on initial information, police do not believe that the parties were known to each other or that there was any confrontation prior to the incident.”
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According to police, the suspect is described as a Black male who was wearing a grey hoodie and a cap on his head.
Police are appealing to the public for witnesses to the incident who may have additional information.
“There were many people in the area, and we are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or was taking photos/videos in the area to contact police,” said RCMP Staff Sgt. Rob Dixon.
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth addressed the incident in a scrum with reporters on Monday (April 22), when he was asked about installing security cameras around communities.
“Would it be something that I’m prepared to look at? Of course, but the most important thing is that, because I know that in this particular case – which is absolutely awful – is that there are a number of witnesses… they should come forward,” Farnworth said, adding that municipalities have the jurisdiction to install cameras.
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White Rock council discussed the possibility at a meeting in November, but the idea proved divisive. The proposal suggested the cameras would be installed in the city’s waterfront and uptown areas, but the report was ultimately sent back to staff for further information on cost and effectiveness.
White Rock Mayor Megan Knight released a statement after the incident Monday morning, calling the stabbing “deeply concerning.”
“While recent events in our community have been distressing, incidents of this nature have not significantly increased over the years. Public safety is our foremost priority,” Knight stressed, referencing a shooting in the city from February.
The mayor also encouraged any witnesses to contact police.
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Anyone with information is asked to call White Rock RCMP at 778-545-4800.
– with files from Alex Browne