Vancouver police investigating fatal stabbing of man, 72, at Biltmore Hotel

Vancouver police are investigating a homicide at the Biltmore Hotel on Tuesday afternoon.

Alex Gortmaker, 72,was stabbed to death following a confrontation with the alleged attacker, police said Wednesday.

Officers were called to the building after reports of a serious assault around 2:40 p.m. PT Tuesday.

A 27-year-old man was arrested and is still in custody.The investigation is ongoing.

"Investigators believe there is no relationship between the victim and suspect," Vancouver policeConst.Tania Visintinsaid.

"This is an unfortunate case where the victim and suspect had an altercation that tragically resulted in Mr. Gortmaker getting stabbed."

The area of Prince Edward Street at East 11th Avenue was blocked off by investigators for several hours.

In 2014 the Biltmore Hotel was transformed into transitional housing to support people waiting to get into long-term housing programs.