Loblaws employee faces charges in stabbing deaths
EDMONTON — Edmonton police arriving at the Loblaws warehouse in west Edmonton on Friday afternoon found a scene of “complete chaos.”
At a news conference Saturday morning, police released the names of the two warehouse workers killed in a stabbing rampage in the warehouse at 16104 121A Ave.
They are Fitzroy Harris, 50, and Thierno Bah, 41. Autopsies will be conducted next week.
A co-worker believed responsible for the attack will face two counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder and other charges.
Four other men who worked at the warehouse were injured in the attack. Their ages are 21, 29, 34 and 44, police said.
The 34-year-old remains in hospital being treated for multiple stab wounds.
His condition has been stabilized and he is expected to survive, said Staff Sgt. Bill Clark.
As police combed through the huge warehouse complex on Friday afternoon, they interviewed about 60 witnesses, Clark said.
“Everybody knew we needed help and they wanted to help,” he said.
The suspect in the rampage, 29-year-old warehouse worker Jayme Pasieka, was arrested just after 5 p.m. on Friday near 39th Street and 74th Avenue in southeast Edmonton.
A citizen had called police to report a suspect vehicle. Its description had been released to the public 30 minutes earlier. Officers boxed in the vehicle, a Ford Explorer, and arrested Pasieka.
Pasieka will be charged with two counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon, police said. Further charges are pending.
The investigation is continuing.
Police have seized Pasieka’s vehicle and searched his home on Saturday.
Pasieka worked at the warehouse collecting grocery orders and loading trucks. Loblaw Companies Ltd. released a statement Saturday morning.
“Friday was a tragic day at our Edmonton distribution centre. We lost friends, others were injured and our entire team was shaken. We appreciate the swift response of the Edmonton police force and the courage of colleagues who assisted in the care and safety of our coworkers. Most of all, we honour our colleagues who were injured and killed. Our thoughts are with them and their families, and our team is forever saddened.”