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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
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.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.