Man charged in Vancouver stabbing was on probation [Video]

Days after his release from a provincial jail for threatening to kill Canada’s deputy prime minister, a Vancouver man with a history of mental illness is behind bars again — accused of stabbing a stranger in the heart of the city.

Vancouver’s mayor joined Vancouver police Chief Adam Palmer Thursday afternoon to announce charges of assault against Kent Douglas Meades, a 46-year-old who was on probation at the time of the attack.

Palmer said the 61-year-old victim of the stabbing was released from hospital after being seriously injured, but “the emotional trauma will likely remain for a long time.”

“The victim and the suspect in this case are total strangers to each other,” Palmer said.

“I want to acknowledge the concern and fear that some people may have … What we’re learning is concerning.”