B.C. crime news: Knife-wielding man attacks motorcyclist in Deep Cove

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Knife-wielding man attacks motorcyclist in Deep Cove

A North Vancouver man is facing charges after a knife-wielding man damaged several cars in Deep Cove over the weekend, then went after a motorcyclist with the weapon.

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North Vancouver RCMP were called about a man reportedly slashing cars near Deep Cove Road and Mount Seymour Parkway, not far from The Raven pub in the District of North Vancouver, at about 3 p.m. Saturday.

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“It is alleged the man was carrying a knife and using it to damage cars,” said Const. Mansoor Sahak in a news release on Monday. “The man then allegedly attacked a motorcyclist, striking his helmet with the knife, but fortunately, causing no injury.

“The motorcyclist did sustain minor injuries as a result of falling, and was led to safety by a motorist at the scene.”

Officers flooded the scene within minutes and arrested a suspect. Police allege the suspect assaulted an officer while in custody.

North Van District Mayor Mike Little went to the scene on Saturday.

“Deep Cove is a very safe area so this violent act comes as a complete shock,” said Little in a text exchange on Monday.

“This could have been much more serious if it wasn’t for the quick thinking of a bystander who protected the victim in their car, and also thanks to the RCMP for their quick action.”

On Sunday, prosecutors charged Alexander Currie with attempted murder, assault with a weapon, uttering threats, mischief, assault of a police officer and weapon possession.

“The quick actions of our officers led to the safe arrest of the suspect,” said Sahak. “We would like to thank the quick-thinking actions of a passerby motorist who assisted the motorcyclist by guiding them to safety.”

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Sahak said the RCMP victim services unit is available 24/7 for anyone struggling emotionally by calling 604-969-7540. Witnesses who haven’t spoken to police are asked to call 604-985-1311.

Video sought in near-miss with Richmond traffic cop

Richmond RCMP are hoping witnesses have dashcam footage after a traffic cop was forced to leap out of the way to avoid being hit by a speeding car last week.

A road safety unit was cracking down on speeders on Highway 91 near the Knight Street Bridge on May 19 when an officer allegedly clocked a vehicle going 145 km/h in an 80 km zone.

The officer on foot tried to stop the vehicle, but it didn’t stop and the Mountie had to dive to the side of the road to avoid getting hit.

“Fortunately, our officer was not seriously injured, but this type of driving behaviour puts all road users at risk,” said Sgt. Eric Baskette of the road safety unit.

Investigators are asking anyone who was in the area between 8:40 and 9:10 a.m. to check dashcam footage. The suspect was in a black sedan with a broken passenger-side mirror that was last seen headed east on Highway 91.

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Anyone with information or video is asked to call Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 or Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-8477, or make a report at solvecrime.ca.

Surrey suspect who skipped court date arrested

A man wanted for assault and drug charges in Surrey and Langley who missed a court date in February is in custody.

Surrey RCMP say Arandeep Gill, 34, failed to show up in court on Feb. 9 to face eight charges including assault and assault with a weapon. He was also wanted on three charges in Langley for possession of drugs for trafficking purposes and dangerous operation of a vehicle.

Gill was arrested at a home in the 10400-block of University Drive late Sunday afternoon by Surrey RCMP, an integrated emergency response team, crisis negotiators, police dogs and a gang enforcement team.

He is in custody until a remand hearing.

jruttle@postmedia.com

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