A Banff nightclub will begin using hand held metal detectors after one of its security staff was stabbed over the weekend.
Dancing Sasquatch co-owner Stavros Karlos said staff and security at the club followed protocols, Saturday (June 25) night.
“Even with the best intentions, we cannot protect against random violence… that night, security protocols were followed 100 per cent,” Karlos said. “The only change we are making is bringing in metal wand scanners to conduct searches… as a way to prevent similar incidents.”
RCMP responded to a complaint of a stabbing at the nightclub at approximately 1:45 a.m. after a male security staff member was stabbed multiple times.
Banff RCMP have charged Bill Ly of Calgary with aggravated assault. He was released on cash bail and is set to appear in Canmore Provincial Court July 6.
Another male associated to Ly has been charged with assault and is set to appear in court Aug. 31.
Const. Ylli Shala said the weapon in the assault has not been found and police dogs were searching as of Tuesday (June 28) for it.
“There is still evidence being collected, but our concern is we do not want a child to find it,” Shala said.
He said RCMP were on a call at the time of the assault, but responded immediately, arresting two individuals across the street from the Sasquatch and a third at the Rose & Crown.
Karlos said through the Bar Watch association, safety and security of staff and visitors to Banff is the highest priority.
He said these types of incidents happen infrequently and it does not mean Banff or its bars are unsafe.
“Canmore had an incident at Zona’s a while ago and it has happened in Banff before and other communities,” he said. “The fact we have a community that banded together immediately in a situation like this speaks volumes about how Banff feels about security.”
Karlos said Kenneth Jordan, the victim of the assault, is stable in hospital and expected to return to Banff at the end of this week or early next week.
He said the Bar Watch program has donated funds to cover Jordan’s rent next month and the Sasquatch is matching it.
Asked if Ly has gang associations, Shala could only say the 20-year-old does not have a criminal record. He added alcohol was involved.
Earlier this year RCMP advised bars in the resort town of an increased presence of Calgary gang members.
Shala said the letter sent out was to create awareness of the potential for gang members to be present and for bars to be more vigilant.
Karlos said it is standard practice for the nightclub to request RCMP to conduct a walk through of the club any time there are questionable people there.
The Bar Watch program allows security staff from all nightclubs to communicate with each other and the RCMP immediately by radio.
Police are requesting any witnesses to the event contact Banff RCMP at 403-763-6600, or provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
