A loss-prevention officer was stabbed while trying to stop a suspected shoplifter at the Canadian Tire store at Hillside Shopping Centre Tuesday evening.
The officer was able to apply a tourniquet to himself using a belt to stem the bleeding before emergency help arrived. Victoria police were called about 6:55 p.m. and added a second tourniquet.
The man was transported to hospital and later discharged, said Const. Cam MacIntyre.
He said the stabbing happened after the loss-prevention officer saw a suspect stealing items and went to intervene. The two struggled, and once the suspect was in handcuffs, the officer realized he was bleeding substantially.
MacIntyre said the officer did a remarkable job.
“We’re thankful that the LPO is OK and that he’s going to recover,” he said. “He acted very bravely under difficult circumstances, to have the awareness to take the suspect into custody and to begin to address his medical needs.”
The suspect is facing recommended charges of assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm and theft under $5,000.
