A Grand Prairie resident was released without any public notice shortly after allegedly stabbing two children, raising concerns about transparency and public safety from members of the community.
The suspect is accused of allegedly attacking two children with a knife on Feb. 19 and is described as being approximately 6’7″ and 250 pounds, prompting questions about why some citizens learned of the release from a Facebook live video rather than the police.
A local community member uploaded a video to social media where he can be heard confronting the suspect in front of his residence.
Grand Prairie RCMP released their first statement on the alleged incident on Feb. 25, nearly a week after the suspect’s release – and only after True North and others had already reported extensively on the incident.
True North spoke to a neighbour of the accused. Dorian McCready, a 37-year-old father of two and business owner in Grande Prairie, expressed outrage about how the case was handled.
“The fact the incident – and perpetrator – live only a few blocks from me and my family only serves to make me more resolute in my stance: Canadian criminal law does not appropriately protect Canadians from dangerous criminals,.” said McCready.
“This man should never have been released on any conditions of any kind. The community has the right to be informed,” he continued.
“What people lack in information they infill with fear. Parents are scared. We deserve to know if someone who allegedly enters a state of delusion making him capable of harming children is living next door.”
The suspect – whose name is now covered by a publication ban – is a reported former paramedic and current Usui Holy Fire III Reiki practitioner who self-identifies as “gender fluid” and goes by “she/they/him” pronouns.
According to various sources, the suspect worked with Alberta Health Services as an EMT for several years.
A social media account believed to be the suspect’s discussed being a former paramedic before going on disability. They also complained of symptoms related to fibromyalgia.
Another video streaming account believed to be the suspect’s spoke of ambitions to “open a youth centre.”
One victim remains hospitalized at Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary with a severed esophagus, while the other has been treated and released.
True North also reached out to RCMP’s Western Alberta Division for comment but did not receive a response.