Suspect in Vancouver mass casualty event had lengthy history with police
The Vancouver Police Department has confirmed 11 fatalities and numerous injuries after a driver killed multiple people after driving his car into a crowd at a Filipino-themed street festival.
The Vancouver Police Department has confirmed 11 fatalities and numerous injuries after a driver, well-known to police, killed multiple people after driving his car into a crowd at a Filipino-themed street festival on Friday evening.
The tragic incident occurred shortly after 8 p.m. at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in South Vancouver, an event celebrating Filipino heritage and culture.
Interim Police Chief Steve Rai reported Saturday morning that eleven people were killed, with many more injured.
“A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser shortly after 8 p.m. tonight. The driver is in custody. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds,” Vancouver Police posted on X.
Authorities later confirmed in a press conference on Sunday that the suspect, a 30-year-old Vancouver man, has an extensive history of interactions with both police and mental health services in the city.
“I can tell you that the person we have in custody does have a significant history of interactions with police and health-care professionals related to mental health,” said Rai.
“We have some knowledge of interactions. It would be unfair and inappropriate to the investigation and to a proper conclusion for the investigation if I taint it with any details right now.”
Police have not yet publicly named the suspect, who remains in custody as the investigation continues. No charges have been laid at this time.
Videos circulating on social media captured the chaotic aftermath, showing victims and debris scattered across the road, while first responders frantically worked to assist the injured.
Authorities are urging anyone with footage or information about the incident to come forward as they continue piecing together the tragic events.
“It’s impossible to overstate how many lives have been impacted forever,” said Rai.