Just as our city was reeling from the news that we had a terrorist incident here, we saw the carnage unfold in Las Vegas. It's tough to comprehend not just one but two violent terrorist incidents occurring so close to one another. Even though they were in different cities. Our hearts go out to those who were affected by the attack in Vegas. Some of the victims there were from Alberta too.
Thankfully in the situation here nobody was killed and not a single shot was fired to bring the perpetrator into custody alive.
An Edmonton Police officer working traffic control at a CFL football game was struck by a car and flew about 15 feet through the air. The attacker then got out of his car and stabbed the officer repeatedly with a knife. The officer protected his weapon and fought off the knife attack, but the attacker escaped into the crowd and ran off on foot. He was released from hospital within 48 hours after getting some stitches. He is expected to fully cover from his injuries.
Four pedestrians were also struck by a UHaul truck as the offender tried to escape the downtown area with police in pursuit. He had been stopped at a check stop and drove off when the officers recognized the name on his ID. He was swerving towards pedestrians in crosswalks and on the sidewalk. Pedestrian injuries range from broken bones to brain bleeds, two remain in hospital, one in serious condition but all are expected to survive.
The police used their vehicles to overturn the truck at an intersection and a flash grenade and stun gun were used to extract him through the windshield of the UHaul. No shots were fired at any time during the incident. He had his first day in court this AM.
Hopefully with the survival of the attacker we can learn more about the incident's cause and whether he had any help in it's planning and execution. Although at this early point in the investigation he's considered to have acted alone.
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Empty a bag of skittles into the toilet and then flush. It's like watching a five second long nascar race.
