Man charged in Canadian Tire parking lot stabbing previously convicted of manslaughter

A man has been charged in what police are calling an unprovoked stabbing at a north Edmonton Canadian Tire parking lot.

A man who was previously convicted in a stabbing death has been charged in connection with a stabbing at a Canadian Tire parking lot last month.

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Nathan Piche, 33, has been charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and attempted murder.

On Aug. 28 at 9:28 a.m., emergency crews were called to the parking lot at 96 Street and 162 Avenue for an assault.

Police say a 64-year-old man was loading his purchases into his vehicle when he was approached by an unknown man on a bike who stabbed him before riding off.

With the help of witness descriptions, the suspect was taken into custody shortly after on an ETS bus in the area of Castle Downs Road and 104 Street.

The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

In an email to CTV News Edmonton, an Edmonton Police Service spokesperson said the victim had been released from hospital, but was left with lasting injuries.

Investigators say the men did not know each other and the attack was unprovoked.

According to a news release, Piche has a history of violent offences, including a conviction for manslaughter in relation to a stabbing in 2018.

“The accused has repeatedly been convicted of violence, drug and weapons-related offences dating back to 2008, and has demonstrated a pattern of failing to comply with conditions,” Acting Insp. Eric Stewart said in a news release. “Police are working with Alberta Crown Prosecution Service to advocate for his detention in the interest of public safety.”

Piche remains in custody.