Man charged after machete attacks on Vancouver's Granville Street
A man is facing multiple charges after a series of attacks over the weekend with what police said was a machete.
Police gave the update Monday afternoon, saying 48-year-old Ibrahim Abdela Bakhit was charged with a count of aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
The charges came two days after a string of violent attacks in the city's main entertainment district. That incident unfolded just before 10 p.m. Saturday near Granville and Smithe streets.
Police said a man set fire to his suite in that area and "subsequently attacked and stabbed four people inside the building."
Police described the man's weapon as a "machete" and said they shot the suspect, who was allegedly still armed when confronted by officers. The suspect was taken to hospital for treatment of serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
He remains in custody until his next court appearance, police said.
The department believes drugs and mental health could have been factors in the incident.
The manager of the SRO where the incident told CTV News Monday that Bakhit has lived there for over five years and is very quiet.
He said he believed that while one of the four victims has been released from hospital, the rest have been left with “life-altering” injuries
MAYOR CALLS FOR REFORM
In the wake of the attacks, Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart called for justice system reforms, saying major cities like Vancouver are "bearing the brunt" of an "under-resourced mental health and justice system."
"I want to thank Vancouver Fire Rescue Services for their prompt response, and the Vancouver Police Department and responding officers for the swift, brave action that undoubtedly saved lives and spared more people from harm," Stewart said in his statement.
"My hearts go out to the victims and families of everyone impacted by this tragedy."
As the VPD's investigation is underway, Stewart called on the province to "recommit to reforming the justice system," especially with regards to "prolific offenders that endanger public safety."
He also called for a response to the "dire need" for improved mental health services.
"Gaps in our mental health and criminal justice system not only fail our public, but our first responders and partners in law enforcement who are committed to community and public safety despite a lack of critical support to comprehensively address violent offenders," he said.
With files from Ben Nesbit
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Breast cancer screening should start at age 40, Canadian Cancer Society says
The Canadian Cancer Society says all provinces and territories should lower the starting age for breast cancer screening to 40.
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels is on the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Canadian-Israeli man shot dead in Egypt; claim links killing to Gaza
A Canadian man 'of Jewish Israeli descent' has been shot dead in the Egyptian city of Alexandria in a suspected criminal case, a security source said, while a previously unknown militant group said it carried out the attack in reaction to the war in Gaza.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.