The Ridge Meadows RCMP have a suspect in custody after the teen stabbing in the Maple Ridge Walmart on Canada Day.
Police announced Wednesday morning that the young victim suffered injuries that were not life-threatening, and he was transferred to Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster by ambulance.
According to police, they were called to the scene on July 1 at approximately 4:20 p.m. Police made their arrest shortly after the incident, and the suspect will remain in custody until his next court appearance.
The Ridge Meadows Investigative Support Team (IST) and Serious Crimes Unit (SCU) are conducting the investigation.
"Police believe this to be a targeted incident, given that it occurred between parties who were known to each other. It is believed that there is no further threat to public safety at this time," said an RCMP press release.
A parent of a student who works at Walmart expressed upset that store employees, including her teen, were told to continue working after the incident. She said employees heard the screams, saw a large pool of blood in an aisle, and saw the perpetrator run away from the scene. They saw the victim taken out on a stretcher.
After the incident, the store was closed, and areas of the store were blocked off as police investigated.
She said her teen was traumatized, and employees were not aware whether the victim had survived, whether it was a murder, or whether the perpetrator had been caught.
"Teenage employees had to stay and work in a crime scene," she said, asking to remain anonymous so there were no repercussions against her child.
Walmart spokesperson Amanda Moss offered a comment on behalf of the company.
"The safety of our associates and customers is a top priority and we are deeply upset by this terrible incident that took place at our Maple Ridge store," said Moss.
"Following the incident, all associates were given the option to go home immediately if they felt uncomfortable completing their shifts. The store was closed for the remainder of the day and associates who voluntarily chose to stay were required to work on the second floor, away from where the incident took place on the first floor due to it being sealed off for investigation. All associates were provided access to resources including support and counselling services through TELUS Health."
She added that Walmart is cooperating fully with the police investigation.
Investigators are still seeking witnesses, if you have not yet spoken to police, you are asked to contact the Ridge Meadows RCMP directly at 604-463-6251.