A 25-year-old man from Maple Ridge is recovering in hospital after being stabbed early Thursday after leaving a Pitt Meadows bar.
According to Ridge Meadows RCMP, an altercation between the man and his assailant began around 2:15 a.m. as patrons were leaving Rooster's Country Cabaret in Meadow Vale mall.
The other man involved fled the scene.
Officers with Ridge Meadows RCMP's general duties and serious crimes unit cordoned off the area where the stabbing occurred, while the man was taken to hospital by paramedics with the B.C. Ambulance Service. Police confirmed both men were patrons at Rooster's, which hosts a mechanical bull-riding event on Wednesday nights.
“This was a very violent situation, and the victim is quite fortunate he was not seriously injured," said Cpl. Alanna Dunlop .
"We have interviewed some of the people who were present at the time, but we feel there are more who have information on this incident. Patrons of Roosters, a local club, were exiting at the time, and police feel that some of these patrons witnessed at least part of this confrontation. I’m urging anyone with any information to contact us.”
• Anyone with any information is asked to call RCMP at 604-463-6251. To remain anonymous call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip online at www.bccrimestoppers.com. CrimeStoppers will pay a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Bar Watch revived
A program to make bars and pubs in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows more safe and secure has been revived.
Ridge Meadows Bar Watch already has eight founding members including The Billy Miner, By Bailey's, Roosters Country Cabaret, Planet Ice, The Witch of Endor, Golden Ears Pub, Haney Public House and Caddy Shack.
The mission statement of the program, which is supported by both municipal councils and RCMP states: " As a service industry, we are all focused on working together to ensure all members of the community, our staff and emergency services can work in and enjoy our establishments by creating a safe and secure environment; free from threat of violence, abusive language and intimidating behaviors for everyone through team work, trust and communication."
The three rules that all licensees who sign must adhere to include;
• No gang "colours."
• No support wear.
• No weapons as defined in the Criminal Code of Canada are allowed, including work tools like knives and box cutters.
"This is a a very positive first step into creating a safe environment for all patrons," said Haney Hotel general manager Yvan Charette.
The program goes live April 19.