The power of perception during a violent year in two cities – Part 1 – Winter

The man who appeared in the dim doorway was splashed in blood. Crimson fluid dripped from an apparent gash in the man’s left hand and from a knife he gripped tightly in the other. 

At this point, thoughts of standard protocol would have vanished. Bodies froze. Hands tightened on their weapons. 

Commands — put down the knife! — burst into the cold air as the officers stepped back. 

The man either didn’t hear, or refused. 

Electrified wire shot out from one of the officer’s Taser and attached into the man's skin, the shock knocking him to the ground. 

Inside, officers found the man’s wife, 61-year-old Elaine Bellevue, dead, and their teenage daughter alive but suffering from serious stab wounds. 

It was only the beginning. 

---

In Mississauga and Brampton, 2018 was one of the most violent years in recent memory. Homicides, shootings, stabbings and many other types of violent crime all increased drastically. 

As the violence unfolded over the first half of the year, the public were paying attention, but the police seemed caught off guard and political response was absent. 

In Part 1 of this three-part series, The Pointer looks at the violent winter months and how they set the stage for one of the most troubling years on record. 

Published on September 23, 2019 in The Pointer - Brampton and The Pointer - Mississauga