A new RCMP officer had a good start to the job this week after tracking down and arresting a man suspected of carrying out a knife attack moments earlier.
Const. Vardouniotis was part of a team of “Delta Watch” Mounties who quickly responded to an area close to No. 5 and Cambie roads just after 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27.
Multiple callers had earlier called 9-1-1 after witnessing an assault in progress just outside of a restaurant in the 11500 block of Thorpe Road.
A male armed with a knife was reportedly attacking another male before fleeing on foot.
“We had an extremely quick response time and immediately set-up a containment perimeter,” said Richmond RCMP’s Cpl. Dennis Hwang.
“One of Richmond’s newest patrol officers, Const. Vardouniotis, was instrumental in locating and arresting the suspect.
“With the support of his patrol mates, the arrest was made tactically and safely. "Constable Vardouniotis was definitely on his A-game."
The victim, a 36-year old male from Richmond, sustained deep lacerations to his hand and superficial lacerations to his leg. First aid was administered by one of the Mounties before the victim was taken to hospital. No other injuries were reported and the weapon, a kitchen knife, was recovered near the scene. The victim and the suspect knew one another.
“The witnesses who contacted 9-1-1 operators and those that assisted us were exceptionally helpful. We would definitely like to give them a shout-out,” added Hwang.
As a result of the arrest, Chhon Lon Kheav, 30, of Richmond, has been charged with one count of aggravated assault and one count of uttering threats.
