Vancouver, Canada – The Vancouver Police Chief, Adam Palmer, revealed disturbing details about the suspect involved in a random downtown stabbing that occurred on Wednesday afternoon. The suspect, identified as Kent Meades, 46, allegedly engaged in a series of violent incidents before being apprehended by law enforcement. The attack took place near Smithe and Beatty streets, where a 61-year-old man was stabbed and seriously injured by Meades, who was reportedly chasing multiple individuals with a knife.
Palmer emphasized that the victim and the suspect had no prior relationship and were strangers to one another. The quick response of officers led to the timely arrest of Meades, who was subdued with the use of a Taser. The suspect, known to police, has a history of mental health challenges and a criminal record that includes various offenses committed in both Canada and Thailand.
According to Palmer, Meades was released from the Fraser Regional Correctional Centre just six days before the violent incident, after serving a jail sentence for uttering threats. The suspect’s failure to report to his probation officer in Surrey led to a series of violent and unprovoked attacks in downtown Vancouver. Meades now faces charges of assault with a weapon, assault uttering threats, and additional charges are expected to be filed against him.
The string of violence started at 8:40 a.m. when a man was attacked near Seymour and West Cordova streets, followed by an incident at a coffee shop near Harbour Centre, where a disturbance led to fear among customers. The third incident occurred at Main and Prior streets, where Meades allegedly lunged at a pedestrian with a knife. Luckily, the victim managed to escape unharmed, but the suspect later targeted the 61-year-old victim in a random stabbing.
As the investigation continues, Meades remains in custody awaiting trial for his alleged crimes. The authorities are also looking into an additional assault in which Meades is suspected of being involved. The community remains shaken by the series of violent events, emphasizing the importance of public safety and swift police response to such incidents.