A 42-year-old Ottawa man has been charged after two stabbings in the downtown Rideau Street area left both victims in hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to the Ottawa Police Service.
Joachim Lessard, 42, of Ottawa, was arrested near the scene of the second stabbing, police said. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, Oct. 1.
Officers were first called at about 2:47 a.m. after reports that a man had stabbed a woman on Rideau Street near Sussex Drive. The woman boarded an OC Transpo bus to escape and received medical treatment there.
Second attack minutes later
Just after 3 a.m., police received a second report of a stabbing near Daly Avenue and Waller Street, a short distance from the first scene. A man was arrested close to where that attack took place.
Both victims were taken to hospital. Police said in a news release that both were in life-threatening condition.
Investigators believe the attack was random, according to the Ottawa Police Service.
In an earlier release the morning of Oct. 1, police said no other suspects were being sought and there was no known risk to public safety. Rideau Street was closed between Sussex Drive and Dalhousie Street for much of the day while officers investigated, with a significant police presence in the area.
Investigation continues
The investigation remains ongoing. Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Ottawa Police Service Central Investigations Section at 613-236-1222, extension 5166.
Tips can also be made anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca.
Police are also encouraging residents to register their security cameras at CAMSafe.ca to help support future investigations.
