WATCH ABOVE: We’re learning more about a man who was arrested in a violent assault and abduction case in Edmonton earlier this year. Eric Szeto has more.
EDMONTON — A 32-year-old man is facing multiple charges including kidnapping and aggravated assault in connection with a violent abduction and beating in January.
Police said three suspects impersonating police officers went to a southwest Edmonton home and demanded a man come with them. They drove him to a nearby field and “severed an appendage,” before leaving him.
The victim, Richard Suter, is awaiting trial for the alleged drunk-driving death of a two-year-old boy in 2013. He described the January attack to Global News.
“I was told to get out of the car and kneel in the snowbank that was beside the car,” Suter said on Jan. 24. “They freed one of my hands, which I guess was my left hand, and cut my left thumb off with — I think it was a pair of pruning shears.
READ MORE: ‘It must be some kind of vengeance,’ alleged drunk driver says of abduction, beating
Suter said he was beaten and must have passed out because the next thing he remembers is waking up in a field.
He said he believed revenge was the only possible motive for the attack.
A witness told Global News that Suter flagged down his car in the area of 170th Street and Ellerslie Road about 12:20 a.m.
“He immediately said, ‘I need help. I don’t know where I am and I’m missing my thumb,’ ” said the witness, who didn’t want to be identified.
Lawyer Dino Bottos confirmed his client, Richard Suter, was abducted that night. Suter was identified as the man in a photo taken by the witness at the scene.
READ MORE: Geo’s mom reacts to suspect’s abduction, beating
After hearing about the abduction of the man awaiting trial in the impaired-driving death of her son Geo Mounsef, Sage Morin posted a response on Facebook.
“Our family remains hopeful and entrusting of the legal system to bring Justice For Geo. It is utterly heartbreaking to have our Baby Geo’s memory associated with this horrible act of violence. We will continue to spread love and kindness in Geo’s Honor as we prepare for the upcoming trial.”
Suter is awaiting an October trial on charges of impaired driving causing death and three counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm.
Steven Gordon Vollrath has been charged with kidnapping, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon and impersonating a police officer.
READ MORE: Man who fired gun at New Westminster police officer identified
Vollrath was arrested in Canmore last week. He was wanted in B.C. after allegedly firing a gun at a police officer before taking off. The ensuing manhunt crossed several jurisdictions in metro Vancouver.
Police are still investigating the kidnapping case and ask anyone with information to call them at 780-423-4567.
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