35-year old charged with attempted murder following stabbing of Saint John police officer
A 35-year-old man is facing six charges, including attempted murder, after stabbing a Saint John police officer Wednesday night at a hardware store.
The incident occurred around 8:02 p.m. Wednesday evening after officers responded to reports of a man with a knife threatening staff and causing damage inside a Canadian Tire on the city’s west side.
“As one of our members were making there way into the store to assist, they were subsequently stabbed by the suspect,” says Saint John Regional Police Staff Sgt. Sean Rocca.
Constable Jonathan Grenier was treated by first responders on site before being transported to hospital with non-life-threating injuries. He remained in hospital on Thursday afternoon in stable condition.
Officers quickly were able to take the suspect into custody without further incident. There were still a number of people at the store when the incident occurred, but no other physical injuries were reported.
“That shows the professionalism on our team,” credits Saint John Deputy Mayor John MacKenzie. “They are well trained and they have a lot of experience so I congratulate them on a job well done and I hope the officer gets well soon.”
Corey James Clarke appeared in Saint John court Thursday afternoon. On top of attempted murder, the 35-year old is also facing charges of aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace, mischief under $5,000, and resisting arrest.
Members of Saint John police’s victim services team were available for officers and residents Wednesday night following the incident, with a psychologist also on hand for staff who needed it.
“It’s not a common occurrence that one of our officer gets injured in the line of duty so we all feel that, and I would that’s the mood today,” says Staff Sergeant Rocca. “I’m in my 21st year and I can’t recall an officer being stabbed in the line of duty.”
The force’s Major Crimes Unit and Forensic Services continue to investigate.
The Canadian Tire was reopened to the public Thursday, but the store declined to comment on the incident.
For more New Brunswick news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE UPDATES Police found fake IDs, 'ghost gun' and silencer on Luigi Mangione
Luigi Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Penn., after he was spotted at a McDonald’s, authorities say. The suspect was born and raised in Maryland and graduated from Ivy League University of Pennsylvania.
BREAKING Union reportedly drops wage demands in Canada Post negotiations
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has reportedly dropped its wage demand to 19 per cent over four years, CTV News has learned.
Liberal government survives third Conservative non-confidence vote
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's latest attempt to topple the minority Liberal government in a non-confidence vote failed on Monday, thanks to the New Democrats.
Sudbury, Ont., family traumatized after hospital said loved one had been released, when in fact they had passed away
Sudbury resident Angela Vitiello says a staff member at Health Sciences North told her that her brother, Allan St. Martin, was released from the hospital late last month when, in fact, he had passed away.
Montreal man retiring early after winning half of the $80 million Lotto-Max jackpot
Factor worker Jean Lamontagne, 63, will retire earlier than planned after he won $40 million on Dec. 3 in the Lotto-Max draw.
Trudeau says dealing with Trump will be 'a little more challenging' than last time
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said dealing with incoming president Donald Trump and his thundering on trade will be 'a little more challenging' than the last time.
Katie Holmes refutes story about daughter Suri Cruise’s fortune
Katie Holmes has posted a screen grab of a Daily Mail article, which reported that her 18-year old daughter, whose father is Tom Cruise, is now a "millionaire."
Rupert Murdoch fails in bid to change family trust, New York Times reports
A Nevada commissioner has ruled against Rupert Murdoch's bid to change his family trust to consolidate control of his media empire in the hands of his son Lachlan, the New York Times reported on Monday.
Family spokesman says slain Edmonton security guard had only been working 3 days
A spokesman for the family of a security guard who police say was murdered while patrolling an Edmonton apartment building last week says the man had only been on the job for three days.