*Editor’s Note: Story updated as of Feb. 21, 4:30 p.m.
Immaculate Conception elementary school in Delta is closed today after a serious incident that left a woman and on off-duty police officer suffering from stab wounds Wednesday.
According to Delta police, just as classes were ending Wednesday, off-duty police officer John Jasmins was at the school to pick up his children when he witnessed an altercation between a man and a woman on school property. Jasmins intervened, but he and the 41-year-old woman were taken to hospital with serious stab wounds.
Delta police are calling Jasmins a hero, saying “if John hadn’t acted so quickly, the woman involved in this incident could have lost her life.”
Associate superintendent Lesya Balsevich told media she was shocked and saddened by the events. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the woman and Delta police officer.”
She added thanks to the quick thinking of teachers and staff, students were pulled back into the school, which was put into lock- down mode, and they were all safe. “The school staff responded so commendably in securing the situation.”
Today, classes were cancelled while staff prepared to bring in counsellors and a support dog for any students needing help to cope with the news. “I think they should be commended, as well as the Delta police, who responded to the situation in a rapid way. I think we need to reach out and say: ‘job well done and thank you for keeping our kids safe,’” said Balsevich.
Jasmins’ condition is stable, but the woman remains in serious condition.
Manoj George, a 49-year-old Delta resident, has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of assault with a weapon in connection with the attack. Police say he was in a relationship with the woman.
The latest updates on the investigation can be found here or on Twitter @deltapolice.
