Vernon man swarmed - stabbed

by Rachael Kimola - Dec 17, 2007 CASTANET

A Vernon man is recovering after being repeatedly stabbed by a gang of thugs. The victim was riding his bike near the Upper Room Mission late Friday night when he was approached by a young man armed with a knife. Corporal, Robb Daly, says the suspect was looking for money. “The victim told the suspect he didn’t have any money. A struggle for the knife ensued and the victim realized that the suspect had six friends who were waiting across the street from the Wholesale club. They came over and started punching him in the back and head,” says Daly. He says one of the suspects started to jump up and down on the victim's bike. “When the victim looked at the male jumping on his bike, the suspect with the knife attacked him. The suspect stabbed the victim repeatedly and then demanded money again. The victim gave him all the change he had, approximately $1.50.” Daly says at that point, a bylaws officer on routine patrol arrived and the suspects fled from the scene. “The victim does not know the suspects that attacked him and can only give clothing descriptions for the group of young men saying they were all 18-20 years old.” He says one was wearing a white "down feather" winter coat. “The one jumping on his bike had red frizzy hair and multicoloured patterned jacket. The suspect who robbed the victim, is described as 18-years-old, 5'8"-5'9" wearing a white hat that was a toque, but with a rounded top on it. Dark jacket, and blue jeans.” Daly says the victim was stabbed several times, which resulted in severe injuries. He is expected to recover.