Fatal stabbing suspect still at large: Port Alberni RCMP

A man suspected of fatally stabbing another man in Port Alberni on Friday is still at large, RCMP said Saturday.

A neighbour, Kayls James, tells CHEK News she heard the argument in the hallway of her building in the 5100-block of Argyle Street.

“One second there was a bit of yelling, and the next thing someone’s screaming, ‘Call 911, help me!’ And I went over and called 911 and tried to assist the now deceased’s girlfriend,” said James who did place a call to 911.

Police, fire and BC ambulance got the call around 5:30 p.m. They rushed to the apartments above Port Pub and found a man who had lost a lot of blood and was suffering from serious injuries.

Paramedics had him in an ambulance and were taking him to the hospital where an air ambulance was waiting.

“The helicopter landed and then they ended up cancelling the hemorrhage protocol and the helicopter still hadn’t flown out, and then finally I heard that he was deceased,” said James.

In a release Saturday, Mounties said the man died despite the best efforts of bystanders and first responders.

Suspect at large

Mounties say that after speaking with several witnesses, they identified a male suspect in the attack. However, police have been unable to locate the suspect as of Saturday.

Friends and acquaintances have identified the victim as Johnny Sorensen, who was also known by the nickname Tree.

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A picture of Johnny Sorensen from one of his social media accounts

Some say he was trouble at times. He had been convicted of trafficking a controlled substance in 2007 in Victoria. But others, like Chad Louttit, say Sorensen had proven to have a big heart during their more than two-year friendship.

“He was always the guy who would help anybody he could,” said Louttit.

Another friend who didn’t want to be identified tells CHEK News: “Johnny was one hell of a guy and he will be truly missed by the few who actually knew him.”

Louttit says if you needed 10 bucks, Sorensen would give it to you. He says people need to be more careful.

“Make smart decisions. If you want to pull out a knife over dumb S##t be ready for the consequences,” said Louttit.

Investigators believe the fatal stabbing was an isolated incident and that both parties knew each other.

Mounties add that they do not believe there is a wider risk to the public.

The Port Alberni RCMP major crime unit is now leading the fatal stabbing investigation.

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