Vancouver Police officer slashed on leg with edged weapon (update)

A Vancouver Police officer suffered serious injuries when he was assaulted on Tuesday night while patrolling the Downtown Eastside.

“This is another example of the unpredictable nature of police work and the dangers VPD officers face every day while working to keep Vancouver safe,” said Constable Tania Visintin.

While on foot patrol with his partner near East Hastings and Main Street on March 4 just after 7 p.m., one officer was approached from behind by the suspect and slashed on the leg with an edged weapon. The suspect fled the area on foot but was located and arrested minutes later near East Cordova and Main Street.

(Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer had tweeted on Tuesday night that the officer was slashed several times and that the suspect has a history of violence. “Random senseless violence is intolerable & certain people need to be incarcerated – full stop,” he added.)

The VPD officer received emergency first aid before being rushed to the hospital. He has since been released and is recovering at home.

Solaris Onatta Running Dey, 29, has been charged with aggravated assault of a police officer and assault of a peace officer with a weapon.

Dey remains in custody until his next court appearance.