Vancouver, Canada – A man is now in police custody following a frightening incident in downtown Vancouver where he allegedly chased people with a knife and stabbed one individual. The disturbing event led to the closure of Cambie Street between Smithe and Robson streets as authorities responded to reports of a serious assault Wednesday afternoon. According to Const. Tania Visintin, a 911 caller alerted the police to a man wielding a knife, which resulted in one person being stabbed just before noon.
The victim was promptly taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been treated and discharged, confirmed Visintin in a statement. The suspect, a 46-year-old man whose identity remains undisclosed, was swiftly apprehended in close proximity to the incident location.
Adrian Crook, a nearby resident, recounted witnessing the aftermath of the assault as police gathered statements from witnesses and first responders prepared to depart. Although he did not witness the actual attack, Crook highlighted the prevalence of “street disorder” in the downtown area, especially in light of the pandemic. He mentioned previous warnings to residents about a knife-wielding individual captured on surveillance footage entering a building’s underground parking area on two occasions earlier this year.
Reflecting on a past tragic incident in March 2023 involving a fatal stabbing near a Starbucks frequented by his family, Crook expressed concerns about the safety of downtown living for families. The charged atmosphere of the downtown area has evolved over the years, prompting Crook and others to remain vigilant.
Inderdeep Singh Gosal, 32, was formally charged with second-degree murder in connection to the March 2023 incident and has entered a plea of not guilty. The community is urged to come forward with any information on the recent assault or the suspect by contacting major crime investigators at 604-717-2541. The unsettling events in downtown Vancouver serve as a stark reminder of the need for public safety awareness and vigilance in urban communities.