UPDATE: Police seek witnesses to Fernie motel stabbing

UPDATE: Police seek witnesses to Fernie motel stabbing

Restaurant patron at Fernie Super 8 Hotel injured in random attack

  • Oct. 22, 2018 12:00 a.m.

UPDATE: The Elk Valley RCMP is seeking witnesses to a stabbing at a Fernie motel on Monday.

Police apprehended the male suspect soon after the attack at the Super 8 Hotel on Highway 3, which landed one man in hospital.

In a statement issued late last night, the RCMP says this matter continues to be investigated.

“Anyone that may have witnessed the attack or have any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Elk Valley RCMP,” it read.

Call RCMP headquarters in Sparwood at 250-435-6233.

Yesterday, The Free Press reported:

A person is in custody after a random stabbing attack at a Fernie motel this morning.

At approximately 8 a.m. Monday, Elk Valley RCMP was called to the Super 8 Hotel on Highway 3, where a male patron had been stabbed with a sharp object in the restaurant area.

According to police, the suspect was not staying at the motel and did not know the victim.

Constable Blaine Rawles said it was unclear at this time what motivated the attack, which appeared to be random.

However, the RCMP has assured the public their safety is not at risk.

“Shortly after (the attack), police were able to observe video and identify the suspect who had stabbed the individual at the Super 8,” said Rawles.

“He was located approximately an hour later and arrested without any further incidents.”

The victim was stabbed once in the face and neck area, and taken to hospital with minor injuries.

At this stage, police do not know what kind of object was used in the crime, which has been described as unusual for Fernie.

It took RCMP officers about an hour to track down the suspect, who fled on foot and was arrested at their residence about 1km from Super 8.

Rawles said the suspect is in their mid-20s and known to police. They will remain in custody until a bail hearing is held.

More to come.

The Free Press