3 Victims Stabbed At Vancouver Seawall

Friday, October 10, 2025, around 7:30 a.m., calls began coming in from the seawall near David Lam Park. Cyclists slowed, joggers stopped, and panic rippled across one of Vancouver’s most familiar morning routes.

The seawall stabbings left seven people injured and raised new concerns about safety along one of the city’s busiest public spaces. For many women who walk or run that stretch daily, the news felt personal. It was a reminder that even the safest places can feel uncertain overnight.

What Happened During the Yaletown Seawall Stabbings

Police responded to multiple reports of assaults along the seawall around 7:30 a.m. on October 10, 2025. Three people were found with non life threatening stab wounds and taken to hospital. Over the next two days, four more victims came forward, bringing the total to seven.

According to Vancouver Police, the victims included five men and two women between the ages of 23 and 59. All were treated for injuries ranging from stab wounds to minor assaults. Investigators described the incidents as random and unprovoked, with no known link between the victims.

Who the Police Have Arrested

On October 13, police arrested a 35 year old suspect in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The individual was taken into custody around 4:20 p.m., ending a citywide search that began when security images were released to the public two days earlier.

The suspect remains in custody while investigators prepare charge recommendations for Crown counsel. Once those are approved, the case will move to Provincial Court, where release conditions and hearing dates will become public. No motive or additional details have been released.

How the Attacks Unfolded

Investigators say the first three victims were attacked along separate points of the seawall, all within a short distance of each other. Witnesses reported seeing a woman in dark clothing leaving the area shortly after the first calls came in.

As more reports surfaced, police reviewed surveillance footage and identified additional victims who had not initially contacted authorities. By Sunday, officers released new images showing a suspect walking east on Marinaside Crescent and asked anyone with information to come forward.

Safety Tips for Vancouver’s Seawall

1. Plan Routes and Share Location

Before heading out, share your live location with a friend or family member using your phone’s map app. Choose routes that stay close to main paths and have visible access points to nearby streets.

2. Stay Visible and Aware

Stick to busier sections of the seawall and avoid low lit stretches during early morning or late evening hours. Keep headphones at a low volume so you can stay aware of your surroundings and nearby movement.

3. Carry Legal Safety Tools

Items such as dog spray, personal alarms, or flashlights are legal to carry if used for legitimate purposes like animal deterrence or visibility. Do not carry any object with intent to use it against a person. Possessing an item for a dangerous purpose can violate section 88 of the Criminal Code. Any use of an object against a person would later be assessed under section 34 self defense, which considers whether your actions were reasonable in the circumstances. It is, however, illegal to carry a weapon with the intent to use it on a person.

4. Report Incidents Promptly

If you see something concerning, call 911 for emergencies or 604-717-3321 for non emergencies. VPD also offers online reporting for certain files when no immediate danger exists.

How to Feel Safe Again After Public Violence

After a violent incident in a familiar space, it’s normal to feel uneasy. Many women who run or walk alone in Vancouver say it takes time before the seawall feels comfortable again. Start small - go during daylight, invite a friend, or choose well populated sections until your confidence returns.

Safety is not only about tools or patrols. It is also about regaining trust in your surroundings. The more eyes on the path, the safer it becomes. Joining community runs or group walks helps you reclaim those spaces and reinforces that public areas belong to everyone, not to fear.

What’s Next in the Investigation

The investigation remains active, with VPD working alongside Crown counsel to determine appropriate charges. Once charge approval is granted, court dates and release conditions will become public.

Residents are encouraged to follow verified updates through VPD.ca or credible local outlets. Police have thanked witnesses and the public for helping identify the suspect and sharing footage.

What This Means for Public Safety in Vancouver

The seawall has long been a symbol of community and safety in Vancouver. Incidents like this challenge that sense of security, especially for women who regularly walk or run alone.

According to police, random assaults make up a small portion of overall violent crime in the city. Still, cases like the Yaletown seawall stabbings often lead to increased patrols and renewed community awareness. The seawall remains one of Vancouver’s most monitored public areas, and safety depends on shared vigilance between residents and police.