Canadian police officer stabbed in ‘act of terrorism’

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Ont. (AA) – Authorities in Edmonton said Sunday they are investigating two incidents as “acts of terrorism” after a police officer was stabbed and a Daesh flag was found in a suspect’s car the previous night.

“We cannot – and will not – let violent extremism take root in our communities,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

said in a statement on his website. “While the investigation continues, early reports indicate that this is another example of the hate that we must remain ever vigilant against.”

A suspect was apprehended after a manhunt and vehicle pursuit through the streets of Edmonton, a city of about 1.3 million residents that is the capital of the western province of Alberta.

The first attack occurred approximately 8:15 p.m. local time (0215GMT) outside Commonwealth Stadium, where a police officer was working crowd control during a Canadian Football League game.

A car crashed into a barricade and hit the officer, sending him flying into the air.

“A male believed to be about 30 years old then jumped out of his vehicle and viciously attacked the Edmonton Police Service member with a knife,” police chief Rod Knecht said Sunday at a news conference. “A struggle then ensued, during which the male suspect stabbed the officer several times before fleeing the scene on foot.”

The officer was taken to hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

A manhunt followed and at around midnight (0600GMT) a cargo van was stopped at a police checkpoint. While checking the driver’s identification, an officer noticed the name was similar to the registered owner of the car involved in the earlier incident at Commonwealth Stadium.

The van sped off down a downtown street, during which the driver deliberately tried to hit pedestrians. Preliminary reports say four people were injured but their conditions are unclear.

With about 20 police cars in pursuit, the van careened onto its side and officers were able to capture the driver.

A black Daesh flag was found in the car involved in the incident at the satdium, police said.

“Based on the evidence at the scenes and the actions of the suspect … it was determined that these incidents are being investigated as acts of terrorism,” police chief Knecht said.

Authorities believe the suspect acted alone. His name has not been released.