A six-day Vancouver Police investigation has resulted in the arrest of a suspect in the murder of 32-year-old popular chef Wataru Kakiuchi – the Japanese citizen stabbed to death near Chinatown one week ago.

VPD officers made the arrest in the Downtown Eastside on Monday afternoon. The BC Prosecution Service on Tuesday approved one count of second-degree murder against 32-year-old Timothy Isborn.

Police do not believe Kakiuchi and the suspect knew each other.

The media have reported that Kakiuchi was in Canada on a work permit from Japan and had been a chef at Hapa Izakaya, a Japanese restaurant in Yaletown, starting in 2015.

“We thank everyone in the community for their support while we worked around the clock to collect the evidence that ultimately led to the suspect,” said Sgt. Steve Addison on Wednesday.

VPD homicide investigators launched an investigation on June 5, after Kakiuchi was found near Main Street and Union Street shortly before 3:30 a.m. Officers collected evidence from the crime scene and appealed to community members for information about the murder.

“Evidence gathered by our investigators, along with information from the public, was integral to us making this arrest,” said Addison.

The investigation continues, and anyone with information is asked to call the VPD Homicide Unit at 604-717-2500.