Meal-delivery worker who was stabbed in throat, chest in Vancouver still tried to fulfill order: witness
Warning: This story contains details that may be disturbing for some readers.
A student nurse who jumped into action to help a young delivery worker after he was stabbed in a random attack in Vancouver says she thinks those workers may need to receive more safety training.
A young Skip the Dishes worker was locking up his bike in Chinatown Sunday night when someone he didn't know apparently attacked him from behind, stabbing him several times.
Nursing student Klara McCallum and other witnesses didn't hesitate to jump in and help.
"He was bleeding profusely, it was pretty bad," McCallum told CTV News Vancouver, adding that a nearby hair salon supplied them with towels. "Everything was so well co-ordinated … the gentleman that was holding onto the wound on the neck had to take a break, I took over."
Police said the 22-year-old suffered life-threatening injuries to his throat and chest, but he is expected to survive.
McCallum said it appeared the victim was on the phone with the customer, still trying to arrange the delivery.
"You're fighting for your life and you're still trying to deliver a meal," she said, adding that she's never seen someone being so selfless.
McCallum said she took the phone away from the victim and spoke to the customer. She said she wants Skip the Dishes to know "how committed this guy was."
McCallum also expressed concern that delivery workers may not receive adequate safety training.
"We as health-care workers, we get trained how to de-escalate violence," she said, adding that she's "extremely happy that the victim is alive and is recovering."
In a statement to CTV News Vancouver, Skip the Dishes said it "takes matters of safety extremely seriously and any action within our capacity will always be taken."
"Skip is committed to maintaining a safe ecosystem for all stakeholders including couriers, customers and restaurant partners," the company's statement said.
McCallum also set up a GoFundMe for the victim to support him through his recovery, noting he has no friends or family in the city.
Sgt. Steve Addison with the Vancouver Police Department said “a lot of credit” goes to the public in this case, for helping the victim and providing investigators with critical information.
“At this time, we don't have a motive. It appears to be random. It appears to be unprovoked,” he said.
“Young fella who just came to Canada recently in the spring, came from Afghanistan, he was a refugee trying to get a better life and here is out doing his job trying to make a go of it, and he’s attacked.”
Police said people who were in the area at the time provided key information that led to the arrest of a 43-year-old suspect in Crab Park shortly after the attack.
Dennis Amanand Prasad was charged with aggravated assault.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Maria Weisgarber
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.