'Stabbed multiple times by a stranger': Halifax police seek suspect in connection with random stabbing
Halifax Regional Police is looking for help in finding a suspect in connection with a disturbing incident in the city Friday evening.
A man in his 50s suffered serious injuries when he was stabbed outside a downtown restaurant.
Joe Bellefontaine identifies the victim as his son, 56-year-old Steve Bellefontaine.
Joe got the news in a frantic phone message from the younger man's fiancé.
"And when I called her, she told me that my son was stabbed multiple times by a stranger," said Joe.
The family says the incident was completely random.
The nightmare-scenario played out in the heart of downtown Halifax Friday evening.
Steve Bellefontaine told his dad he was having a drink at a restaurant near his home.
A couple had stepped outside for a smoke, he said, and when they returned, the man's face was bloody.
They said they'd been attacked by another man outside.
Steve Bellefontaine went out to investigate, and the man turned on him.
"A total stranger came right out of the clear blue, stabbed him multiple times, especially in the lower part of his stomach, and really caused serious damage," said Joe.
Steve Bellefontaine also suffered cuts to his head and defensive wounds on his arms.
He's had two surgeries so far, the latest Sunday night.
"We wouldn't be able to speculate on the motivations of the individual at this point," said Halifax Regional Police Const. John MacLeod.
However, police do have a description of who they're looking for.
The suspect is described as a white man in his late teens or early 20s, about five-foot-ten with a thin build and short dark hair. He was wearing a black T-shirt with white writing, black and grey pants, and red boots.
Even now, as he runs back and forth between his home and the hospital, Joe offers this prognosis.
"He's pretty strong. He's like me, he's fairly strong, which is good. Good, positive attitude. But he's got to be careful and he's got to rest for quite a bit more time," said Joe.
Joe Bellefontaine, 80, is also expressing concern about the apparent randomness of the incident.
"So, 8:30 in the evening, you hope it's fairly safe," he said. "It ain't."
Anyone with information on the suspect, the incident or video from the area is asked to contact police at 902-490-5016.
Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-8477, submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or using the P3 Tips App.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.