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
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
Flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.