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Manager of security guard stabbed at Island Walmart talks rising violence

‘It’s unfortunate that abuse has become part of the job description’
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Ron Beavan is at home recovering from knife wounds sustained in an attack while working as a security guard at the Campbell River Walmart. GoFundMe photo

Ron Beavan had been working as a security guard at the Campbell River Walmart for a little over a month before he was stabbed.

His boss at JTF Security, Vali Majd, said the veteran guard is “super easy going,” and referred to him, as a “gentle giant.”

“He’s very kind hearted, very positive, and really likes what he does,” Majd added.

On the day he was stabbed, Beavan was on the same shift as his wife Leanne, who is also a security guard.

She had been the first to ask the suspect to leave, and was threatened. Her husband rounded a corner, and before he could assess the situation, was being attacked by the suspect with what was described as a large blade.

Beavan’s stab-proof vest, and the help of a couple good Samaritans, one of whom was an ER nurse, saved his life. He still lost a lot blood, and and was rushed to hospital in critical, but stable condition.

Majd said Beaven is recovering at home now, and waiting for a short while before starting physio therapy.

To help with costs while he is unable to work, his boss has helped start a GoFundMe page with the hopes of raising $10,000.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the page had raised $3,250.

READ MORE: Suspect in Campbell River Walmart stabbing back in custody

READ MORE: Suspect had been previously asked to leave Campbell River Walmart

Majd said he has seen a rise in violence against his employees, who work at jobs all over Vancouver Island.

“The amount of abuse our staff deals with is through the roof,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that abuse has become part of the job description now.”

He explained guards are all very well aware of the risks in the line of work, but a rise in mental health and substance abuse issues, coupled with homelessness, poverty, and the effects of the pandemic have lead to a lot of people on edge.

“We tend to recognize and understand the issues people face, and we try not to let it affect us,” Majd said. “We go through extensive training in-house, and we’re prepared for all sorts of eventualities, but very little can prepare you for coming face to face around (with an attacker) with literally no time to react.”



ronan.odoherty@campbellrivermirror.com

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