Police in St. John’s say they now have a suspect in custody in connection with the stabbing of a boy, believed to be 11, at a soccer field in Topsail on Thursday evening.
Witnesses say the teen responsible lept from the stands and ran at the 11-year-old, stabbed him with a knife and took off in car. The moments following were complete chaos as kids rushed from the field in shock, visibly upset, terrified looking for their parents.
RNC Chief Bill Janes says the ‘person of interest’ was brought into custody by a responding patrol officer but he didn’t say how the man was located. The suspect’s vehicle was found on nearby Boggan’s Lane.
Speaking to reporters late last night, Janes couldn’t confirm the ages of those involved, if they knew each other, or if it was a targeted attack. Given the timelines, he said it was still early in the investigation and police were working to piece together the events.
Janes called it a terrible tragedy. He says the victims in this case include not only the injured and his family but the witnesses. A criticial incident stress management specialist has been called in to help those at the field at the time cope.
Agencies/Canadajournal