VPD arrests man with meat cleaver at DTES women’s centre

A man with a meat cleaver was arrested by Vancouver Police on Sunday after threatening to kill people at the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre.

A witness called 9-1-1 just after 1 p.m. yesterday after the 31-year-old suspect followed a woman into the Columbia Street community centre and began uttering threats while holding a large knife.

VPD officers were close by and responded to the 9-1-1 call. The officers arrested the suspect nearby, after he tossed the knife and walked away.

Vancouver Police applaud a number of quick-thinking witnesses who grabbed the knife off the ground, called 9-1-1, then pointed out the suspect after he walked away.

"Many violent crimes go unreported in the Downtown Eastside, and this arrest was made possible because several people acted quickly and did the right thing," says Sergeant Steve Addison. "Their actions allowed VPD officers to respond immediately and arrest a violent suspect before anyone was physically hurt."

The suspect was taken to jail. VPD is recommending numerous charges related to weapons, assault, and breach of bail.