Vancouver machete attack suspect back in custody, police say

Vancouver police are searching for Kenneth Stephen Solowan, who is wanted in connection with a June machete attack on the Downtown Eastside. (Courtesy VPD)

By Michael Williams

Posted October 11, 2022 5:43 pm.

Last Updated October 11, 2022 5:44 pm.

Vancouver police say a man charged in connection to an unprovoked machete attack on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside earlier this year is back in custody.

37-year-old Kenneth Solowan was re-arrested in Mission on Saturday after a person recognized him from a picture released by police, VPD said in a statement on Tuesday.

Solowan was being looked for after disappearing from the Surrey treatment facility he was ordered to live at last week, one week after he was granted bail.

Police say he has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault related to the June 19 incident near the Empress Hotel where two victims were left with “significant” head and neck wounds after being attacked with a machete.

Related Articles:

On Aug. 12, the VPD said that Solowan had been arrested and charged with the attack.

Submit a Correction

Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

Vancouver police increase downtown presence during weekend protests

A massive demonstration against the current regime in Iran could see tens of thousands of protestors gather in downtown Vancouver Saturday.

13h ago

Pattullo Bridge replacement fully open

After years of construction, delays, and partial openings, Metro Vancouver's newest bridge is fully open to traffic.

16h ago

Surrey police investigating fatal pedestrian crash

The Surrey Police Service (SPS) says it is investigating after a fatal pedestrian collision in the city's Cedar Hills neighbourhood Friday evening.

16h ago

Young Vancouver Island musician sending love to Tumbler Ridge through song

In the shadow of the Tumbler Ridge tragedy, a young Vancouver Island musician is trying to bring a little light to a very dark week, one note at a time.

11h ago

Top Stories

Vancouver police increase downtown presence during weekend protests

A massive demonstration against the current regime in Iran could see tens of thousands of protestors gather in downtown Vancouver Saturday.

13h ago

Pattullo Bridge replacement fully open

After years of construction, delays, and partial openings, Metro Vancouver's newest bridge is fully open to traffic.

16h ago

Surrey police investigating fatal pedestrian crash

The Surrey Police Service (SPS) says it is investigating after a fatal pedestrian collision in the city's Cedar Hills neighbourhood Friday evening.

16h ago

Young Vancouver Island musician sending love to Tumbler Ridge through song

In the shadow of the Tumbler Ridge tragedy, a young Vancouver Island musician is trying to bring a little light to a very dark week, one note at a time.

11h ago

Most Watched Today

2:20

Local musician sending love to the community of Tumbler Ridge through song

In the shadow of the Tumbler Ridge tragedy, a young Vancouver Island musician is trying to bring a little light to a very dark week -- one note at a time. Kurt Black reports.

February 13, 2026 7:37 pm PST PST

1:57

Online presence of Tumbler Ridge suspect shows history of engaging with violence

Deeply troubling online posts, believed to have originated from the Tumbler Ridge suspect, are coming to light. They paint a picture of a person with serious mental health issues who reveled in violence. Jack Rabb has the latest.

February 13, 2026 7:35 pm PST PST

2:52

'Abel was helping his friends': Tumbler Ridge shooting victim remembered as hero

Patient, kind, and respectful. That's how those who knew Abel Mwansa are remembering the 12-year-old who was killed in Tuesday's shooting in Tumbler Ridge. Monika Gul has more.

February 13, 2026 6:32 pm PST PST

2:11

Biological father of suspected Tumbler Ridge shooter speaks out

In a written statement, the biological father of the suspected Tumbler Ridge shooter shared his condolences to the community and the distant relationship he had with his child.

February 13, 2026 7:31 am PST PST

1:44

'A blazing light in the darkness': mom of 12-year-old Tumbler Ridge victim speaks out

The grieving mother of Ticaria Lampert, one of eight victims killed in the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting Tuesday, lovingly remembered her daughter in a recent appearance before media. Cecilia Hua reports.

February 13, 2026 8:43 am PST PST