Edmonton police are trying to identify the suspect in two random stabbings that sent a 63-year-old man and a 45-year-old man to hospital on New Year’s Eve — both in critical condition.
“There was no robbery. We’re not sure the motivation in this,” Staff Sgt. Andrew Larson said. “There was nothing taken from either complainant. It appears completely random. Both complainants were just out minding their business, having a nice night on New Year’s Eve when this occurred. So it’s a bit disturbing.”
In a news release Monday, the Edmonton Police Service said investigators believe the same person is responsible for both “random violent attacks.”
The first happened at 9:15 p.m. on Sunday near 111th Avenue and 96th Street. A man, 63, was walking in the area when a man he didn’t know came up to him and stabbed him, police said. Officers responded and found the victim with “significant injuries.” Paramedics treated him and took him to hospital in critical condition.
About 20 minutes later, another man, 45, was standing at the Kingsway Transit Centre with his adult son, when a man came up to him and stabbed him, the EPS said. The suspect ran away, heading south toward downtown. The victim was treated and taken to hospital — also in critical condition.
Larson said both victims were still in critical condition in hospital as of Monday morning.
The EPS released photos from surveillance footage at the Kingsway Transit Centre that show the suspect, hoping the public can help identify him. Police believe the suspect is between 20 and 30 years old. He was wearing a black hoodie, black jacket, blue jeans and carrying a green backpack at the time.
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact the EPS at (780) 423-4567.
Police searched for hours Sunday night but didn’t find the suspect. A weapon was not located, Larson said.
There is a public safety concern, he added.
“Yeah, I would say at this point it is a concern. We haven’t had any events related to this since last night. But as this was random and there was no reason, we do have a bit of a concern,” Larson said. “We really want to get this person in custody as soon as possible.
“This was disturbing to watch,” he said, “and the fact that these two victims were just out having a good night, there was really no reason that caused this other than random violence. It’s difficult for everyone involved.”
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