RCMP forced to subdue knife attacker on Fifth Ave West

Sunday night saw members of the RCMP step into a dangerous situation, when faced by a man armed with a knife in a residence on the west side of the city. Originally only one member responded to a call of a dispute over a cab fare, but when the suspect escaped custody and retreated to his house, reinforcements were called to the residence to effect an arrest.

Three officers then entered the residence where the suspect, then armed with a knife allegedly attacked the officers. Fortunately, none of the officers nor the suspect were subject to serious injuries and the man was placed under arrest.

He faces a number of charges related to the incident and was released from custody on Monday morning under a Promise to appear in court in March.

The RCMP provided further details on the incident with a press release published on their website today.

Man with a Knife Attacked Police Officers Over Cab Fare
February 19th, 2007,
Prince Rupert BC

Shortly after 8:30pm on Sunday, February 18th, a member of the Prince Rupert RCMP responded to a call in the 700 block of 5th Ave West. A man at that location was refusing to pay his cab fare. When the member arrived, the man had gone inside a residence at the location. The man came outside and spoke with the member who placed him under arrest. After a brief struggle, the man escaped and fled back into the residence. Two additional members arrived and, after announcing themselves, the three members entered the house to re-captured the man who had assaulted the responding member and escaped custody.

Once inside, members were attacked by the same male who had now armed himself with a knife. The three members were able to subdue the man without anyone being serious injured. The man was released from custody the following day on a Promise to Appear in Court, March of 2007. Several charges are being recommended against the 30 year old Prince Rupert resident including: two counts of Assaulting a Peace Officer, one count of Escaping Lawful Custody, one count of Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, and one count of Fraud in Relation to Fares.

This incident illustrates how a seemingly minor call for service can turn dangerous for police. A man prepared to attack police with a knife, over a few dollars for cab fare, help to remind us as Police Officers, why we must always be alert. Members of the public are often surprised and ask why we sometimes have two or three members respond calls. Incidents like this one demonstrate why, whenever possible, we will respond to calls with more than one member.

-30-

Steve Richards,
Cst.Prince Rupert Media Relations / Community Policing
100 6th Ave West
Prince Rupert, BC V8J 3Z3