4 arrested in Olympic Village liquor store stabbing Saturday night

Four people have been arrested after a man was stabbed in a liquor store late Saturday evening, the VPD says.

Police say the incident happened at a liquor store, located near Manitoba Street and 1st Avenue in Olympic Village, around 10:30 p.m. A store security guard tried to stop a shoplifter from leaving the store, and a witness who was passing by stepped in to help. The witness, a 63-year-old man, was stabbed by a suspected shoplifter, according to police.

The witness was seriously injured and required immediate medical care, with police officers applying a tourniquet to slow the bleeding.

The suspect and three accomplices fled the scene but were later found by VPD officers downtown near Granville and Robson.

The 21-year-old suspect was taken to jail. He has been released and is expected to be charged after the investigation wraps up.

The accomplices — an 18-year-old man and two 16-year-old girls were also arrested and have since been released.

“This is another violent incident that underscores the realities small businesses, their staff, and shoppers face every day,” said Sgt. Steve Addison.

“Nobody should be subjected to this level of violence at their work or in their community. We wish the victim a full recovery, and we’re grateful to have made quick arrests in this case.”