The male victim has been taken to hospital and is receiving ongoing care.

The 40-year-old man cannot be released until formal charges are sworn. Police believe the incident was isolated, as the accused and victim are known to each other.

Staff Sgt. Ryan Thorburn says, “We actually have it out as an assault with a weapon charge, but we are considering aggravated assault charges and that will depend on medical reports from the hospital in the coming days. But that is a charge that is one degree higher than assault with a weapon.”

He says the victim was injured in the neck area.

Thorburn thanks the bystanders involved and commends their assistance in helping the victim.

A small section of the Medicine Hat Mall remains contained by police as they conduct their investigation. Police say no other information about the incident will be released, as details still need to be confirmed.