VANCOUVER — Vancouver police arrested a man who was allegedly carrying two “edged weapons” and heading toward the stage where comedian Russell Peters was performing at the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival on Friday night.
Chris Schoengut, vice-president of Trixstar LIVE, the comedy festival’s parent company, confirmed that security guards intercepted the 31-year-old man, who had breached the fence of the festival grounds in Stanley Park.
“Staff and security immediately took action,” said Schoengut in a written statement, adding that the man was followed towards the front of the festival grounds before being apprehended by police.
“There was no disruption to the show,” Schoengut said.
No one was hurt in the incident, which took place between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Friday.
VPD officers were working inside the venue and “responded immediately,” according to Sgt. Steve Addison of the VPD.
“The motive is unknown and the investigation is ongoing,” he wrote in a statement.
A suspect was charged with uttering threats, assault and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Friday’s show headlined by Peters was attended by about 7,500 people. Saturday’s show, featuring actor-comedian Kevin Hart, drew a crowd of about 10,000 people.
