Two women faced a frightening ordeal in Vernon, B.C. on Friday night, April 25, 2025, when a stranger threatened them with a knife in Polson Park. The women, who were on a late-night bike ride around 11 p.m., encountered a man emerging from the shadows who aggressively approached them, issuing repeated death threats. Although no injuries were reported, the incident left the victims shaken, prompting a police response and an ongoing investigation by the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP.
Incident Details and Police Response
The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on April 25, 2025, when the two women were cycling through Polson Park, a popular recreational area in Vernon known for its walking and biking trails. According to police reports, a man suddenly appeared from a darkened area of the park and confronted the women. He brandished a knife and verbally threatened them with death multiple times before fleeing the scene when the victims managed to escape.
The women immediately contacted authorities, and Vernon North Okanagan RCMP officers arrived promptly to secure the area and begin their investigation. Despite the traumatic encounter, both women escaped without physical harm. Police have described the suspect as a Caucasian male in his mid-30s, wearing dark clothing and a hooded jacket at the time of the incident.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Measures
The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP have launched an active investigation to identify and apprehend the suspect. Officers are conducting witness interviews, reviewing possible surveillance footage from nearby locations, and increasing patrols in Polson Park and surrounding areas to ensure public safety. The police have urged anyone with information regarding the incident or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the park on the night of April 25 to come forward.
Inspector Jane Mitchell, lead investigator on the case, emphasized the importance of community vigilance: “We take this threat very seriously and are committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors in Vernon. We encourage people to report any relevant information so we can quickly bring the perpetrator to justice.”
Community Impact and Safety Recommendations
The incident has heightened awareness about safety in public parks during evening hours in Vernon. Local authorities recommend that residents avoid isolated areas after dark, travel in groups, and remain alert to their surroundings while using the park’s trails. Vernon’s city officials are also reviewing lighting conditions and considering additional safety measures at Polson Park to prevent similar incidents.
Community support organizations have offered counseling services to the victims and others who may be affected by the event. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community safety initiatives and cooperation between the public and law enforcement.
Contact Information for Reporting
- Anyone with information about the suspect or the incident is encouraged to contact Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at (250) 545-7171.
- Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are expected to provide updates as the investigation progresses.
The threatening incident in Polson Park on April 25, 2025, underscores ongoing concerns about public safety in Vernon’s recreational areas during nighttime hours. While the two women involved escaped without injury, the event has prompted increased police activity and community vigilance. Authorities remain committed to identifying the suspect and enhancing measures to protect residents and visitors. Cooperation from the public remains crucial in helping the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP resolve this case and prevent future occurrences, reinforcing the collective effort required to maintain a safe community environment.