Man stabbed in unprovoked Vancouver attack was a binner, say witnesses

Residents of an East Vancouver neighbourhood say they’re afraid after a shocking random attack in broad daylight.

“Blood was flowing from his neck. He was saying ‘help me, help me,'” says P.J. Harston, who administered first aid to the victim until paramedics arrived.

It happened on March 19 on 1 p.m., in the 2300 block of Eton Street. A man was collecting cans and bottles from a dumpster when he was stabbed for no apparent reason, sending him to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

“He said two guys came up to him, and said ‘there’s one, let’s get him,'” says Harston.

“Next thing he knew, he was being cut with a knife…I don’t think I’ve ever come across something like this in my neighbourhood before.”

WATCH: Residents say they’re afraid after a random attack in broad daylight. A man who was collecting cans and bottles from a dumpster was stabbed for no apparent reason. Tanya Beja reports.

1:31 Random attack in East Vancouver leaves residents on edge

But 74-year-old Gertrude Yuen, who also lives in the area, says she has seen binners being harassed in the alley many times before.

“It’s not even safe in the middle of the day. I have to ask someone to take out my garbage for me, because I’m not safe,” she says.

“It’s wicked, and I mean wicked.”

Binners say while they do feel unwelcome in some areas, violence is uncommon.

“If these people are out there, we’re going to have to warn the binners to pay attention to who’s around you and what’s going on,” said Michael Leland of the Binners’ Project.

Police said they are looking for two men in their 20s and the incident does appear completely random.

No arrests have been made in the case, and Vancouver Police say there is no update to the victim’s condition.