Police probe random knife attack
Police are warning users of a downtown Kamloops park to take extra precautions after a brazen attack by a knife-wielding man on the weekend.
Kamloops RCMP Const. Bernie Ward said a 28-year-old man was walking through Riverside Park at about 11 p.m. on Sunday, June 3, when he was attacked by an armed man.
The victim was walking on the footpath leading to Overlanders Bridge.
“The suspect was said to have emerged from a darkened area next to the path, pulled out the knife and, without saying anything, began to slash at the pedestrian,” Ward said.
“During the fracas, the victim punched out and struck the suspect twice.”
Ward said the suspect ran away and was last seen headed toward the waterpark area of Riverside Park.
The victim told police his clothing was slashed, but he was otherwise uninjured.
Ward said the incident appears to have been random.
“He [the victim] had no idea who this person was and he had no reason for this attack to take place,” Ward said, encouraging park visitors to be careful.
“For the next little while, until we get this sorted out, we want people to be vigilant.”
Ward said a man armed with a long-bladed fisherman’s knife was arrested following the incident, but he was ruled out as a suspect and released without charge.
The suspect is described as a five-foot-10 native man with a moustache and short, spiky hair, possibly worn in a mohawk. He was wearing dark clothing.
Anyone with information can call Kamloops Mounties at 250-828-3000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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