Kingston Multiple Stabbing: On Thursday morning, a multiple stabbing at a safe injection site and campground in Kingston, Ontario, killed two people and gravely injured a third.
Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson issued an update Thursday afternoon, stating that the violence occurred near the city’s Consumption Treatment Services and Integrated Care Hub at 661 Montreal St.
“Kingston Police are reporting there are two fatalities, with a third person transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries,” Paterson stated in a news release. Earlier, Frontenac County paramedics said that all three victims, two males and one female, were rushed to the hospital in severe condition.
An hours-long confrontation between police and the alleged attacker culminated with his arrest just before 5 p.m. Kingston Police said they were summoned to the site near Belle Park about 10:40 a.m. and found the victims.
Kingston Police Const. Anthony Colangeli stated that officers are investigating several crime scenes. In response to an incident, police closed Montreal Street between Hickson Avenue and Railway Street.
Colangeli stated that it has been a challenging day for customers at the Integrated Care Hub, who will be offered assistance. A man who lives in a nearby encampment claims he witnessed the incident and is “familiar” with the people involved. To ensure the man’s safety, CBC has agreed not to identify him.
He claimed he saw a man punch another man to the ground and stab him. “After stabbing him a few times, he repeatedly whacked him in the head with a hatchet or a hammer. Another man attempted to intervene and halt it but was stabbed in the chest several times, according to the witness.
According to the eyewitness, a woman who knew the suspected attacker chased him down the street. “He proceeded to beat her with a hammer and stomped on her head,” said the witness. “I am numb right now. I still cannot believe it. “I can’t believe it happened that way.” The witness stated that he did not know what motivated the attack. He added police had evacuated the surrounding area, including the campsite.