A man charged in connection with a March 20 spree of violence — including a stabbing — will remain in custody for the time being.
Kent Douglas Meades, 46, appeared before Vancouver Provincial Court Judge David St. Pierre April 18 for a bail hearing but defence lawyer Adrian Picard said his client wouldn’t be seeking his release.
Meades appeared in court via video.
Meades was released March 15 from Fraser Regional Correctional Centre where he was serving time for uttering threats against his family and “prominent” politicians.
He was soon arrested on Cambie Street in connection with the stabbing of a 61-year-old man.
The suspect, who Vancouver Chief Const. Adam Palmer said appears to have mental health challenges, was already in custody after police linked him to five incidents.
The arrest was made after a series of incidents was reported across the city’s downtown.
In the first incident, a man was randomly attacked while walking near Seymour and West Cordova streets.
Minutes later, a 911 caller reported that a man entered a coffee shop near Harbour Centre, where a window was broken and caused customers to fear for their safety.
More than two hours later, a man walking near Main and Prior streets was chased by a stranger, who lunged and yelled at him.
The man ran from the attacker before police were called to Smithe and Beatty streets for a report of a man stabbing another man and chasing others with a knife.
Shortly after he was arrested on Cambie Street, police learned the man was apparently involved in an additional assault.
Thailand bank
Meades was charged with assault with a weapon, assault and uttering threats. Palmer, who described the incidents as “extremely serious crimes,” said he expected more charges to be approved.
The chief said Meades was previously in jail in Thailand for breaking into a bank, causing damage to the bank and overstaying his tourist visa before returning to Canada in 2022.
