Multiple people in hospital, suspect shot after machete attack on Vancouver's Granville Street
Five people, including a suspect, were taken to hospital with serious injuries after a violent incident that drew a massive police presence to downtown Vancouver's main entertainment district Saturday night.
The incident began before 10 p.m., according to a statement from the Vancouver Police Department.
The VPD said its officers were called to the scene by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services around that time after a man set fire to his suite in a rooming house near the intersection of Granville and Smithe streets.
"The man subsequently attacked and stabbed four people inside the building," police said in their statement.
"When officers arrived, they were confronted by the suspect who was still armed with the weapon."
Police described the man's weapon as a "machete," and said on Twitter around 1:30 a.m. Sunday that police had shot the suspect.
Canadian-based musician Ashley Pater – who was performing at the Roxy Cabaret, one of several clubs and live music venues in the area – told CTV News the business had initially been evacuated due to a fire concern.
“Midway through my set, my manager smelled something he thought may have been gas,” Pater said. “He reported it, and next thing next we knew authorities were called and alarms were going off.”
Pater said once she got outside, the situation quickly escalated.
“Next thing I knew, we saw someone lying on the ground and they were surrounded by firemen,” she said. “We heard some word that there were gunshots and something like that all out on the street, then everyone was ushered down the sidewalk towards Smithe Street.”
In a Facebook post, the Roxy Cabaret said it would be closing early "due to an incident that occurred at a neighbouring business," and clarified that none of its staff or patrons had been involved in the violence.
The suspect was arrested and taken to hospital for treatment of serious, non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
They added that the four victims of the machete attack were also taken to hospital with "serious, life-altering injuries."
The VPD's Major Crimes Section is leading the investigation.
The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. – which is called whenever an incident involving police officers in the province results in death or serious injury to a member of the public – confirmed to CTV News that it had also been called to investigate.
"What it'll come down to is us trying to determine at the time the police engaged with the individual what level of threat did he pose and was the threat or was the action or force used by police appropriate in response,” the IIO's Chief Civilian Director, Ron MacDonald told CTV News.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise’s disappearance
It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.