Kelowna RCMP said five people were stabbed early Sunday morning at an “outdoor gathering” in the Postill Lake Road area.
RCMP said the five stabbing victims were two male youths and three men.
All five were taken to the hospital for treatment, police said.
Father Stu Grabos said his 17-year-old son Colby Grabos was among those injured while attending the outdoor gathering around a bonfire.
Grabos said the teen and his friends were stabbed while attempting to break up an assault.
“According to my son, they were around the bonfire. Two people pulled up and the guy got out and started beating on a girl and my son stepped in and he was the first one stabbed as far as I understand. His four buddies jumped in as well and they all got stabbed,” said Stu Grabos.
“It is very hard to describe my feelings other than anger and I’m so proud of those boys for stepping in to help the girl out.”
Grabos said his son is hurting and is “probably still in shock,” but overall is “doing alright.”
RCMP said one man was arrested and he remained in police custody on Sunday afternoon.
“It is not believed there is any ongoing risk to the public,” Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy said in a statement.
Grabos said he is relieved that someone is in custody.
Meanwhile, the BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) said a total of six people were taken to hospital following the police incident outside Kelowna city limits.
BCEHS said ambulances were dispatched to Postill Drive and Old Vernon Road around 1:55 a.m.
The chief of the Ellison Fire Department said that is where first responders set up a command center for the Postill Lake Road incident.
Chief David Bates said firefighters helped treat and triage patients and assisted with nine people.
Bates said there were others that were transported directly from the scene or treated elsewhere.
The injuries the fire department was aware of ranged from minor to serious, according to the fire chief.
Bates said there were laceration injuries and one person had been struck on the head.
The fire chief said he believes the injuries occurred at a party involving young people.
Spokespeople for the ambulance service and police both declined to comment on the patients’ conditions.
– with files from Jamie Tawil
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