The library in 100 Mile House is closed on Wednesday, Aug. 22, after a fight between two men lead to a stabbing in the lobby Tuesday before 8 p.m., while the library was still open.
One man is in police custody and the other was taken to the hospital with “serious but non-life-threatening” injuries.
100 Mile House RCMP said in a media release they received a call at 7:42 p.m. reporting two men were engaged in a physical argument.
The suspect was said to have been found and arrested near the scene. He is scheduled to appear in Provincial Court today.
“Both men are known to each other and the police do not believe there is a further risk to the greater public.”
Chief administrative officer John MacLean issued a statement Wednesday morning regarding the incident.
“Our thoughts are with our library staff today, as well as the victim. Thankfully no additional patrons were in the library at the time, other than the two involved in the incident. Three of our staff were working at the library when the stabbing took place and our library manager quickly responded as soon as she heard the news.
“I am extremely proud of how our staff handled the incident and followed the procedures we have in place. Witnessing this kind of incident is traumatic, though, so we will be supporting our staff through critical incident stress debriefing or other similar assistance.
“I would also like to stress that this kind of behaviour, or any kind of violence or harassment, is not acceptable in any of our CRD facilities. Our staff work hard to maintain safe, clean and family-friendly environments for our patrons. We do not tolerate violence against our staff or patrons and we appreciate the quick response and actions of our local paramedics and RCMP.”
Cpl. Ryder Birtwhistle was on site Tuesday evening, investigating the incident.
“There was a stabbing. We have one male in custody believed to be involved and one male is at the hospital with serious but at this time unknown injuries,” he said.
He says RCMP are not sure at this time why it happened but believe it happened around 7:30 – 7:45 p.m.
“I was off duty. It looks like it happened in the lobby of the library.”
The library was scheduled to close at 8 p.m.
Birch Avenue was closed between 4th and 5th.
Police the two men were involved in another fight earlier the same evening, involving other unknown people.
They asking anyone who may have been in the area between 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. who may have video footage or may have witnessed either altercation to phone 250-395-2456.
