Edmonton, Alberta – The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s help in identifying suspects involved in a violent attack on a man at the Churchill LRT platform last month. According to police reports, six suspects are believed to be involved in the incident.
The victim, a 64-year-old man, was waiting for a train at the LRT platform early in the morning on Feb. 24 when he was approached by a male suspect. The encounter escalated into a physical altercation, with the suspect knocking the man to the ground and assaulting him. Five additional suspects joined in the attack, robbing the man before fleeing the scene. The victim was taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
In response to the incident, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi expressed concerns about public safety on the transit system. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve safety, including increased funding for police, transit security officers, and social workers to connect individuals with necessary services.
Sohi emphasized that addressing the root causes of violence, such as lack of housing and mental health support, is essential to improving safety on public transit. While acknowledging the challenges, he reassured the community of continued investments in safety measures to enhance the overall transit experience.
Descriptions of the suspects, along with photos, have been released by the Edmonton Police Service. One of the suspects is armed with pepper spray, and arrest warrants have already been issued for another suspect, Travis Damian Houle, who is facing multiple charges in connection with the assault.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on the suspects to contact the EPS or Crime Stoppers anonymously. The investigation is ongoing as the community and law enforcement work together to ensure the safety of Edmonton residents using public transportation.