After videos circulated online of police using a Taser to take down a male suspect in East Vancouver, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) explained the incident at a news conference held today (June 17).

VPD spokesperson Sgt. Jason Robillard stated that police responded to a report of a stabbing at a bus stop outside of a McDonald’s at East Hastings and Cassiar Street. The hip-hop Breakout Festival had been taking place nearby at the PNE. 

According to the VPD, after attendees were leaving the nearby music festival, two males got into a verbal dispute after 10 p.m.

One of them, a 22-year-old male from Langley, was stabbed. He was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening stab wounds.

Sgt. Robillard explained that officers who arrived at the scene gave verbal commands for the male to surrender at gunpoint but he was uncooperative.

Officers then used a Taser to subdue him, and pulled him to the ground.

In response to questions about use of Taser, Sgt. Robillard said that officers had to act quickly for the safety of the crowd present as well as officers.

The suspect was taken to hospital to be treated for a cut on his hand, which he already had by the time of police arrival.

Officers recovered a knife at the scene. The incident is believed to be isolated.

Police arrested 22-year-old Jany Wan of Surrey, who remains in custody. He has been charged with one count of assault with a weapon and appeared in court this morning.