WATCH ABOVE: Northlands is introducing new security measures following a stabbing on K-Days grounds Tuesday night. Tom Vernon has the details.
EDMONTON — Northlands is making immediate security changes after three people were stabbed at the K-Days midway Tuesday night.
The stabbings happened around 10:15 p.m. in the games area of the midway. Blood could be seen on the pavement near a betting game, which police had taped off.
Northlands said the three injured men arrived at the south gates of the park looking for help after they were stabbed.
“First aid was provided on site at the south gates. Ambulances transported the three male individuals off site,” said Tim Reid, Northlands CEO.
All three men, aged 19, 22 and 26, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
“Police believe this was an isolated incident,” said Acting St.-Sgt. Cory Huculak.
“The three complainants and suspect are known to police.”
A 21-year-old man was arrested on scene. His charges are not related to the stabbing incident.
Police said the complainants are not fully cooperating with police. The public is urged to come forward with any information.
“They are known to each other,” explained EPS Sgt. Ian Brooks. “This certainly wasn’t a random event… They happened to come into contact with one another on the fairgrounds.”
Brooks described K-Days as “well-managed” and praised Northlands’ response to the incident.
Northlands said Wednesday it is amping up security measures for guests entering K-Days.
“We made the decision to bring in metal detectors,” explained Tim Reid.
“Hand-held metal detectors will be used from this point forward going on to the K-Days site, which is something we haven’t done in the past.
“However, to expedite the lines and the efficiencies of people joining us on campus, we’re also going to introduce online ticket sales.”
Reid said adding an extra layer of security can deter people from bringing weapons to the site.
“We think it has been very effective with large-scale events in the past, we hope it will be for K-Days in the future,” he said.
The new security steps came into effect Wednesday at noon.
“It’s just a quick check-over, make sure everything is safe,” said Ben, who went to the grounds Wednesday afternoon.
“It’s nice knowing they have extra security,” said Shawn, another attendee.
“I find it a bit unusual,” countered Michael. “Last year, I was complaining about having to dump out my water and now I’m getting wanded.”
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Meanwhile, one youth was sent to hospital after a stabbing Tuesday afternoon near the Coliseum LRT Station.
Police said ETS security found a 14-year-old boy suffering from stab wounds. Paramedics took him to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
With the help of ETS security and surveillance footage, EPS arrested a 16-year-old male at the scene. He was charged with possession of a weapon, assault causing bodily harm and three counts of breaching recognizance.
The names of the youth with not be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
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