A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a fatal stabbing early Saturday morning.
Raphael Bussieres, 20, originally from Quebec, was stabbed in the neck during an altercation at the corner of Douglas and View streets, in front of a McDonald’s restaurant, about 12:30 a.m. Police and B.C. Ambulance paramedics responded to several 911 calls.
Bussieres was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. He underwent emergency surgery to repair a carotid artery, but did not survive.
The attacker fled but police were able to use surveillance video from the fast-food restaurant to get a description.
Police located a suspect at West Coast Waffles on Broad Street just before 2 a.m.
The man had to be Tasered to be taken into custody. A knife was recovered.
The owner of West Cost Waffles said he provided video surveillance footage to police, but could not comment further.
A 27-year-old man remains in police custody as investigators collect evidence and interview witnesses, said Victoria police spokesman Const. Matt Rutherford.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this very difficult time,” Rutherford said. “The family has asked for privacy as the next of kin process continues.”
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit is leading the homicide investigation.
Police are recommending charges of murder.
Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to call Victoria police at 250-995-7654. Anonymous reports can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
