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Vancouver police arrest man after he walked into a women's centre with a meat cleaver

The VPD is thanking witnesses for their help
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A man is facing numerous charges after walking into the Downtown Eastside's Women's Centre with a meat cleaver.

Vancouver police is recommending a variety of charges against a man after he walked into the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre with a meat cleaver on Sunday, Jan. 16.

Witnesses told police the man followed a woman into the community centre on Columbia Street near East Cordova Street around 1 p.m. As he walked in he was heard saying threatening things and carrying the large knife, according to the witnesses.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) were called and found the suspect nearby. He had tossed the knife away, but witnesses grabbed it and gave it to police before pointing the suspect out to police.

“Many violent crimes go unreported in the Downtown Eastside, and this arrest was made possible because several people acted quickly and did the right thing,” says Sgt. Steve Addison in a press release. “Their actions allowed VPD officers to respond immediately and arrest a violent suspect before anyone was physically hurt.”

The 31-year-old man was taken to jail and police are recommending charges related to weapons, assault and breach of bail be laid against him.