Suspect arrested in stabbing, assault case

A suspect in a stabbing in Kelowna was apprehended within an hour of the incident.

Kelowna RCMP say a report came in just after 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 28 of an assault outside the Orchard Park Shopping Centre.

Police responded to the 2200 block of Harvey Avenue where they located the 37-year-old victim who was bleeding from a serious stab wound to the leg.

An ambulance was called and the man was taken to hospital.

Police canvassed for witnesses and determined a group of men had been in a fight with the victim that led to the assault, and the four individuals fled on bikes in different directions after the stabbing.

Officers established a clear description of the primary suspect and the direction he fled in, and within half an hour the police located the man and arrested him for aggravated assault.

He was later released with several conditions to attend court at a later, undisclosed date.

“The quick response by officers of the Kelowna RCMP resulted in the arrest of the suspect and we are extremely grateful for those citizens who stepped in to assist the victim which possibly saved his life,” Const. Mike Della-Paolera, media relations officer, said.

The RCMP add medical staff informed police after the fact the victim’s injury was severe and he could have bled to death if not for the quick response of the first responders and the bystanders who stepped in to assist.

The man remains in hospital recovering from the injury.