The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) charged Austin Sim-Pelletier, 27, with assault causing bodily harm (x2), possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and mischief. Sim-Pelletier’s next court appearance is scheduled for Friday, September 18. 

The EPS Investigative Response Team (IRT) and the EPS Hate Crimes Unit continue to actively investigate this incident, which includes the ongoing assessment of any evidence relevant to the application of hate-related criminal provisions.

“This investigation is complex and involves numerous investigative steps that we are still diligently working to complete,” says Staff Sergeant Eric Stewart with the EPS Investigations Branch. “We want to thank everyone for their cooperation and patience and on behalf of the Gurdwara, kindly ask the media and public to give their community space and privacy at this time.”

On Friday, Aug. 21,  at 4:49 a.m. EPS received reports of a male walking in traffic on Highway 15 near Horsehill Rd. At approximately 5:05 a.m. police began receiving reports of a stabbing at the Nanaksar Sikh Gurdwara in the area of 14 Street and Horsehill Rd.

It was reported to police that a male entered the Gurdwara and attempted to access the prayer area when he was confronted by staff. The confrontation then escalated and two male patrons of the Gurdwara were stabbed. Witnesses intervened and detained the man until Northeast Branch patrol officers arrived at 5:10 a.m. and immediately took him into custody.

EMS also responded, treated and transported a 75-year-old male and a 51-year-old male to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The EPS Investigative Response Team (IRT) assumed the investigation and the suspect was remanded into custody on a warrant previously issued for his arrest for failing to report to his designated Edmonton halfway house.