Man Arrested After Allegedly Driving into Crowd at Vancouver Filipino Festival Had 'Significant History' of Police 'Interactions'
The man who was arrested after he allegedly drove into a crowd at a Vancouver Filipino community festival on April 26 was "known" to authorities
Police said the suspect had "a significant history of interactions with authorities and health care professionals related to mental health"
11 people died and numerous others were injured during the incident in the Canadian city
The man who was arrested after he allegedly killed multiple people by driving into a crowd at a Filipino community festival in Vancouver was "known" to police, authorities said.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) detained a man at the scene of a crash that left 11 people dead and "multiple others injured" on Saturday, April 26. Vancouver Police Interim Chief Steve Rai confirmed the updated number of fatalities in a Sunday, April 27, news conference.
The VPD initially announced on X that the 30-year-old man, whose identity has not yet been shared, allegedly drove through a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in the Canadian city at around 8:14 p.m. local time near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street. The suspect was arrested at the scene, and the VPD's Major Crime Section is currently leading the ongoing investigation.
Rai said on April 27 that the man in custody has "a significant history of interactions with police and health care professionals, related to mental health."
"While I'm not prepared to speak about the potential motive, I can now say with confidence that the evidence in this case does not lead us to believe this was an act of terrorism," he continued, per Reuters, adding: "I am unable to publicly identify the person who is in custody because charges have not yet been laid."
Related: 9 People Killed After Man Drives Car 'Through a Crowd' at Vancouver Street Festival: 'Tragic Incident'
Shortly after the fatal incident, Rai provided an update to local media — as broadcasted by the Vancouver Sun — during which he confirmed that "the suspect was known to police in certain circumstances."
After being asked if the man had any interaction with police in "the last few days," Rai said he could not answer the question — reiterating later during the news conference that authorities have "some knowledge of interactions," without giving a timeline.
"It would be unfair and inappropriate to the investigation and to a proper conclusion for the investigation if I tainted with any details right now. But we'll have more for you in the morning for sure," he explained.
Rai later confirmed that the suspect was apprehended by bystanders before the VPD arrived at the scene.
"When it occurred, from my understanding, prior to police arrival, he was taken into custody by people in the crowd," the police chief said, confirming that authorities arrived "shortly thereafter and took custody of him."
The VPD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on April 27.
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Abigail Andiso, who was with friends at the time, told the Sun she heard two loud bangs before spotting "bodies on the street" — some of whom she said were "dead on the spot."
'There was a lady with her eyes staring up, one of her legs was already broken," added Dale Selipe, who was with Andiso. "One person was holding her hand, trying to comfort her."
Yoseb Vardeh, the co-owner of the food truck Bao Buns, recalled hearing "an engine rev."
"It didn't make any sense to me because there's still people here, like, it sounded like a car speeding," he told the Sun. "It didn't make any f------- sense. And then I look up and there's people flying. It just happened so f------ fast.'
The business owner recalled seeing "bodies everywhere" after the driver went "straight down the middle" of the block. 'I didn't break down until I got home to my family just five minutes ago,' he said.
As Vardeh told the BBC, the driver was moving at around 60 mph and was eventually restrained by the crowd.
Vancouver-based artist Kaya Ko described the incident as a "massacre" via an Instagram statement. 'This was not an accident. This was a massacre,' she wrote. 'I am at a loss for words. Praying that everyone is taken care of and praying for the souls, lives taken and families affected by this terrible crime.'
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim wrote in a statement on social media that he was "shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident," while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney added on X that he was "devastated to hear about the horrific events."
"I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you," he wrote. "We are monitoring the situation closely, and thankful to our first responders for their swift action."
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