Suspect in two deadly assaults in Edmonton’s Chinatown is arrested

May 20, 2022

A suspect believed to be involved in two separate deaths in Edmonton’s Chinatown in Canada has been arrested, police said on Thursday.

Edmonton police arrested a 36-year-old man on Wednesday after officers responded to an aggravated assault report at an auto body shop in the area of 106 Avenue and 98 Street around 4 p.m.

Police found a 64-year-old man with life-threatening injuries at the scene. He was transported to a hospital before he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.

Anthony Hai, the owner of Albert’s Autobody, said he was called to his business after a disturbance. He said he discovered his unconscious employee with the help of a security team. The victim worked with Hai for more than 30 years.

“The gentleman has been working with me since I opened up in 1989,” Hai told Edmonton Journal. “He was getting ready to retire.”

Hai said the surveillance footage showed his employee turning his back to the suspect before he was attacked and knocked unconscious. He believes the attack was unprovoked and senseless. The shop owner followed the suspect until he was apprehended by a security team.

While investigating the attack at the auto shop, police officers were alerted to another assault at 105 Avenue and 98 Street. A 61-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy of the body is scheduled for Friday. There are currently no further details about the man’s death.

Homicide detectives believe that the arrested suspect is involved in both deaths. Charges are still pending.

“I am devastated to hear of the violent attacks that happened in Edmonton’s Chinatown last night, leaving two valued community members dead,” Mayor Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said in a statement, according to CBC. “I am sending my sincere condolences to both affected families, and I strongly condemn these acts of senseless violence.”

“I have heard Chinatown’s calls for increased safety measures, and will be working with the community and EPS to find immediate solutions, following my motion that passed on Monday to allocate funding and resources to Chinatown and the downtown core,” he added.

Featured Image via CityNews

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