Truck Driver Critiques RCMP Response Amidst Greyhound Bus Incident
A truck driver who intervened to assist Greyhound passengers during a violent incident on July 31 near Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, is expressing dissatisfaction with the RCMP’s handling of the situation. Christopher Alguire, a long-haul trucker, shared his account in an interview with CBC News, revealing that he noticed unusual activity on the bus while driving nearby.
Willing to Help
During the evening drive, Alguire observed a bus pulled over erratically, prompting him to stop. “You could tell something was wrong right away; it’s just my nature to offer assistance,” he stated from Morden, Manitoba. Passengers informed him that one of them had attacked and fatally stabbed a 22-year-old man named Tim McLean, who had recently worked at a carnival in Edmonton.
Taking Action
Equipped with a metre-long bar known as a ‘snipe’ from his truck, Alguire rushed to help the bus driver, who was attempting to hold the door closed. “I aimed to get everyone to a safe area at the back of the bus, away from the chaotic scene,” he recounted. He also advised other concerned passengers where they could find tools in his truck for self-protection, anticipating potential danger if the assailant tried to exit.
Personal Risk
When the bus driver entered the vehicle, Alguire followed to ensure the passengers’ safety. “I felt it was my responsibility to shield them as best as I could,” he explained. Alguire then witnessed the horrifying act of McLean being decapitated, prompting him to retreat and assist in keeping the bus door shut until police arrived.
Frustration with Police Response
Disturbed by the delay in the police’s action, Alguire expressed anger that the RCMP allowed time for further indignities to occur to McLean’s body. He remarked on the unsettling decision to reposition witnesses near the bus, leading them to see the confrontation. “Suddenly, the assailant had an audience, which only served to encourage his behavior,” he lamented.
Agreement with Victim’s Family
Alguire shared the sentiment of McLean’s mother, who criticized the RCMP for not storming the bus earlier to prevent further atrocities. “I urged the police to take decisive action, as there was no justification for the assailant to continue living,” he stated. While acknowledging the praises he received for his actions, Alguire remained humble, attributing his behavior to the values instilled in him by his family.
Legal Proceedings
Vince Weiguang Li, the 40-year-old suspect, faces charges of second-degree murder in connection with McLean’s death. He has been mandated to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to assess his fitness for trial.
