The Serious Crimes Unit in Comox Valley is investigating a serious stabbing at a liquor store on Friday night in Courtney.
The victim was a beloved customer who intervened when some teenagers tried to steal from Ryan Road’s Mex liquor store.
“What surprised me the most was not the fact that they stabbed the man. You know people do terrible things and make terrible mistakes. “It was a little remorse after the fact that they were standing there mocking the victims,” said witness Ryan Lavoie.
Lavoie went to the store around 10:45 a.m. Friday night, just after a customer had been stabbed six times.
The Mex liquor store in Courtenay was shown on Sunday, June 12, 2022 (CHEK News)
Right in front of the front door, as the victim lay on the ground, Lavois prevented two of the teenagers from advancing again, and they eventually escaped.
He then learned that three young men were trying to steal from the store when a customer intervened and was stabbed.
“I am very traumatized by this and I am afraid for the community. “I am afraid of the evil in their hearts, which has caused retribution in their minds, and they should not walk in our community,” Lavois said.
The Comox Valley RCMP confirms that officers arrested three young men shortly after the stabbing and the main criminal group is continuing its investigation.
“It’s a shame to see this city, especially just going to hell in a hand basket, to be honest,” said Dave Taylor, a friend of the victim.
The victim is 62-year-old Jeff Chapel. He was airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital on Friday after being stabbed. He has been operated on since then and is in stable condition.
“I’m pretty shocked to hear, and then when I heard who he was, it was a lot more shocking because he’s just a great man,” Taylor said.
Taylor would like to see those involved receive full punishment under the law, and says the events have a major impact on people. His ex was stabbed while working in the same liquor store in September 2020.
“Just two days before what happened here on Friday, she finally managed to get in here in a year and a half, and it was a huge step in her recovery,” Taylor said. “I’m sure it will be detrimental to her PTSD.”
This is a crime that will have lasting consequences, although Chapel is expected to recover from his injuries.
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