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A ‘very tough week’ for Chilliwack, says Mayor Jennifer Feinberg The Progress There’s been a community uproar of sorts this week in the aftermath of stabbing incidents, and other violence that spilled into downtown Chilliwack. Swift action is being demanded of City of Chilliwack officials and the RCMP. “It’s been a very tough week for our beautiful little Chilliwack,” Mayor Sharon Gaetz told The Progress. She and other members of council have been watching in shock like everyone else, as the incidents played out in rrapid succession like a horrible ballet. h Strong reactions PPeople l are from citizens are comfeeling ing in to this week’s reports of sevpanicky, but multiple eral stabbings and a it’s good to fatal train incident, with several posting their keep in mind fears and concerns and more policthey are not demanding ing patrols for downthe targets town. “People are feeling panicky, but it’s good to ~ Sharon keep in mind they are not the targets,” Gaetz Gaetz stated. The stabbings in downtown Chilliwack are believed ed by iinvestigating officers to have a common theme, she said. “That’s the nature of the criminal element. They go after each other, they fight each other, and that may push our crime stats really high, but the average citizen is not the target in these crimes.” Victims were all targeted because of their criminal activity, except for the unfortunate cyclist who was struck while in the “wrong place at the wrong time.” She said 90 per cent of the crimes are committed by the 10 per cent of repeat offenders. “We are working hard to get these prolific offenders off the streets.”
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Forensic investigators continue to gather evidence Wednesday from two vehicles connected to the stabbing death of a 49-year-old Chilliwack man Tuesday. (Below) A single bouquet was all that remained at the scene Thursday morning. For video from the incident, go to www.theprogress.com. SAM BATES/ THE PROGRESS
Murder charge laid in parking lot stabbing Greg Knill The Progress A 63-year-old man was charged with second degree murder Wednesday following a stabbing that left one person dead and onlookers shaken and horrified. Gerald Leslie Dolman was arrested at the scene Tuesday following a series of events that finally lead to the death of a 49-year-old Chilliwack man in the crowded parking lot of a downtown supermarket. According to the Integrated Homicide Team, they believe Dolman and the victim knew each other. The incident began around 3 p.m. with a hit-and-run on First Ave between Spadina and Young. A cyclist was down and paramedics were on route. According to police, witnesses said it appeared Dolman was following the victim in his car when Dolman struck the cyclist. The two vehicles carried on through the busy SaveOnFoods parking lot before colliding at the Yale Road entrance. An altercation ensued and one driver chased the other on foot into the parking lot where he stabbed the second driver
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multiple times. Police were on scene within minutes. The suspect was taken into custody while frantic efforts were made to resuscitate the victim. While one woman sobbed inconsolably, and a clutch of middle school students looked on, police, firefighters and paramedics struggled unsuccessfully to revive the man. There’s no word on the condition of the cyclist. The incident left parts of downtown Chilliwack behind police tape for nearly 24 hours as police gathered evidence. Yale Road was finally reopened just
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after 1 p.m. Wednesday, after the two vehicles involved were secured and towed away. By Thursday morning all that remained was a single bouquet of flowers propped against the hedge near where the victim lay. Sgt. Stephanie Ashton, media relations officer for IHIT, praised the police actions. “The quick action of UFVRD RCMP led to the speedy arrest of Mr. Dolman, ensuring evidence was preserved and the risk to the public was mitigated. “The response from the public in providing information about this incident played a part in ensuring IHIT obtained charge approval,” she added, “however there may still be witnesses who have not spoken to police, we ask that those people contact IHIT investigators as soon as possible.” Anyone with information about this incident can contact IHIT by telephone at 1-877-551-IHIT(4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca If they wish to remain anonymous they can contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-2228477 or on the web at solvecrime.ca.
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