Two men in custody after fatal stabbing in Banff early Saturday

 

Two men in custody after fatal stabbing in Banff early Saturday (msn.com)

Two men in custody after fatal stabbing in Banff early Saturday

Calgary Herald

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Two men in custody after fatal stabbing in Banff early Saturday

Brodie Thomas - 29m ago

Banff RCMP are investigating that town’s second fatal altercation this year, after a reported stabbing early Saturday morning.

 

A view of Banff Avenue, the town's main thoroughfare.

 

Police responded to a 911 call around 12:09 a.m. Saturday for reports a man had been stabbed following an altercation outside a bar in the 100 block of Banff Avenue.

They say a 27-year-old man from Foothills County was taken to hospital where he was declared dead.

An RCMP release says two men were taken into custody nearby.

The investigation is now being handled by Alberta RCMP’s major crimes unit and the RCMP’s forensic identification unit. Investigators would like to speak with anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about it.

Police say the incident has no connection with another fatal stabbing that happened on Aug. 5 .

In that incident, police say 26-year-old Ethan Enns-Goneau, who lived in Banff, was stabbed multiple times after a confrontation inside a bathroom.

Police have charged a 22-year old Banff man with second degree murder in relation to Enns-Goneau’s death.

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In a release sent out Saturday afternoon, RCMP said while people may feel concerned after learning of two fatal stabbings within a month, Banff residents and visitors should feel safe while in the town.

 

“Our officers are committed to your safety and protecting our community,” said Staff Sgt. Mike Buxton-Carr, Banff detachment commander. “Banff RCMP actively patrol the downtown core, including the pedestrian zone, every night to provide a visible deterrent to crime and are available at all times to respond to calls from the public for assistance.”

Police had much of the 100 block of Banff Ave. cordoned off Saturday afternoon as they conducted their investigation. Employees at several businesses in the area confirmed they had to close Saturday due to the limited business access.

An employee at Banff Ave. Brewing Co., who asked not to be identified, said there was police tape at both ends of the 100 block of Banff Avenue, as well as more police tape throughout the scene. The employee said most businesses in the area had closed, unless they had a way to get customers in through the back alley.

Banff Mayor Corrie DiManno said in a written statement that like many in the community, she is feeling “ angry, profoundly saddened, and overwhelmed” by the stabbing, and she offered her condolences to family and friends of the victim.

“This brutal violence is shocking to our community and we are taking this issue very seriously,” said DiManno. “We continue to be a community in mourning and in are healing from the tragic loss of a lifelong Banffite in August, so this incident will cause a resurgence of anxiety and trauma for some. It’s vital that folks who are struggling access the support services they need during this time.”

She said the Town of Banff will continue to work with RCMP during their investigation, and will work with police, industry leaders and community members to ensure Banff remains a safe place.

 

In a Facebook post, the Town of Banff said urgent mental health care would be available at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. for those who may be struggling with witnessing or learning of the incident.

“The Town is working with victim services to offer supports to specific staff and responders today,” read the post.

Anyone with information on the stabbing is asked to contact the Banff RCMP at 403-763-6600, or their local police detachment. Anonymous tips can be left with Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477.

brthomas@postmedia.com

Twitter: @brodie_thomas