Two stabbed in downtown Ottawa early Thursday; man arrested near Daly and Waller
A 55-year-old woman and a man were transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries after separate attacks within 10 minutes. Police say the assaults appear random.
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Two people are in hospital with life-threatening injuries after separate stabbings in downtown Ottawa early Thursday, October 3rd. Police arrested a man near the scene and say the attacks appear to have been random.
The first stabbing occurred on Rideau Street between Sussex Drive and Dalhousie Street around 2:47 a.m. A woman was stabbed and boarded an OC Transpo bus for medical treatment before being transported to hospital. Less than 10 minutes later, officers were called to Daly Avenue and Waller Street for another stabbing—less than half a kilometre away. He was also transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Joachim Lessard, 42, of Ottawa was arrested near the second stabbing site. He has been charged with two counts of attempt murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of assault with a weapon. Lessard is facing additional charges and is expected to appear in court Thursday. Police said they are not looking for any other suspects and report no ongoing risk to public safety.
Rideau Street between Sussex Drive and Dalhousie Street was closed following the first incident and reopened just after 12 p.m. OC Transpo buses were forced to detour during the closure. The Ottawa Police Service Central Investigations Section is investigating; anyone with information can contact police.
This is the third stabbing incident in downtown Ottawa in recent months. In August, two people were stabbed across downtown, leaving one victim in critical condition, and another stabbing occurred near Bank and McLeod streets.
What prompted the attacks, and did the suspect know either victim?
Why does downtown Ottawa continue to experience multiple stabbing incidents within months?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How many people were stabbed in downtown Ottawa on Thursday, October 3rd?
Two people were stabbed in separate attacks within 10 minutes in downtown Ottawa on Thursday, October 3rd. Both victims were transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Who was arrested for the stabbings?
Joachim Lessard, 42, of Ottawa was arrested near the second stabbing site. He has been charged with two counts of attempt murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of assault with a weapon.
Where did the stabbings occur?
The first stabbing occurred on Rideau Street between Sussex Drive and Dalhousie Street around 2:47 a.m. The second stabbing happened on Daly Avenue and Waller Street, less than half a kilometre away.
