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Man charged after bagpiper stabbed without provocation near CF Rideau Centre

The musician suffered stab wounds to his hand Saturday around 4 p.m. Police say Jean Dorestant, 25, attacked him unprovoked and is facing assault and weapons charges.

· 2 min read · HOC Ottawa Desk
Man charged after bagpiper stabbed without provocation near CF Rideau Centre
File photo: Brett Sayles / Pexels
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A 25-year-old man is charged with assault after an unprovoked stabbing attack on a street musician near CF Rideau Centre on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Ottawa police responded to a call for assault around 4 p.m. and found a man with stab wounds to his hand. The victim told officers he was playing bagpipes on the sidewalk when the suspect approached and stabbed him with an edged weapon without provocation. Paramedics treated the victim for minor wounds on scene.

Jean Dorestant is charged with assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, possession of a weapon dangerous, obstruction/resist arrest, and two counts of breach of probation.

Police are continuing to investigate and are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them. They are also seeking video footage from the area.

The facts

Who was charged in the CF Rideau Centre stabbing?

Jean Dorestant, 25, was charged with assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, possession of a weapon dangerous, obstruction/resist arrest, and two counts of breach of probation.

When did the stabbing happen?

The stabbing occurred on Saturday, August 15, 2026, around 4 p.m. near CF Rideau Centre in Ottawa.

What was the victim doing when attacked?

The victim was playing bagpipes on the sidewalk when Jean Dorestant approached and stabbed him with an edged weapon without provocation.