White Rock Pier stabbing leaves victim in hospital, police looking for suspect

There was a heavy police presence in White Rock Sunday night after an apparent stabbing near the city’s pier.

The White Rock RCMP says the incident happened around 9 p.m., and when officers arrived, they found a 28-year-old victim.

Mounties say they’re actively investigating and gathering evidence to “identify, locate, and arrest the suspect.”

“The investigation is in the early stages and the motive is undetermined. Based on initial information, police do not believe that parties were known to each other or that there was any confrontation prior to the incident,” Const. Chantal Sears said in a statement.

Posts on social media suggested police were crawling the area Sunday night looking for the suspect.

One early morning walker near the pier along Marine Drive Monday morning shared her disbelief that something like this could happen in the seaside community. She added that she doesn’t often have to think about her safety.

“In my day-to-day life, not really, but when it’s done here, it’s getting a little closer to home, isn’t it,” she told CityNews.

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Mounties say the suspect was wearing a ball cap and a grey hoodie at the time of the incident.

“There were many people in the area and we are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or was taking photos/videos in the area to contact police,” said Staff Sgt Rob Dixon. “Public safety is a priority so we are asking the public to assist us in our investigation to identify the suspect to prevent further incidents.”

In a statement released Monday, White Rock Mayor Megan Knight said the incident is “deeply” concerning.

“While recent events in our community have been distressing, incidents of this nature have not significantly increased over the years. Public safety is our foremost priority,” she said.

Anyone with information about the incident is being asked to call the White Rock RCMP at 778-545-4800.

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