Residents of Deep River, Ontario, have been instructed to remain indoors following a stabbing incident on Wednesday evening that resulted in one individual sustaining life-threatening injuries, as per the local authorities. The town, with a population of approximately 4,200 residents situated along the Trans-Canada Highway, has been advised to secure their residences by locking doors and windows, closing blinds, and refraining from engaging with unfamiliar individuals since around 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday.
Several schools and businesses in the area have announced closures until further notice. Currently, there is no available information regarding any suspects or arrests made in connection with the incident.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported that officers responded to a significant event on McElligott Drive at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. An individual was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries and was reported to be alive as of 11 a.m. on Thursday by the OPP.
In an update shared at 2 a.m. on Thursday, Deep River police, in collaboration with the OPP, confirmed an active investigation to locate the involved suspect, who remains at large. Deep River Mayor Suzanne D’Eon expressed concern over the unprecedented nature of the incident, emphasizing solidarity with the victim’s loved ones despite not knowing their identity.
Deep River acts as a midway point between Ottawa and North Bay, serving as a key stopover alongside Mattawa in the journey through a sparsely populated region along the Ottawa River east of Algonquin Park.
The Town of Deep River announced the closure of all town facilities until further notice, with waste collection services being temporarily suspended. Additionally, the Renfrew County District School Board disclosed the closure of Mackenzie Community School for Thursday, while bus services in the Deep River vicinity were canceled.
St. Mary’s OLGC School under the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board was also reported as closed. St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Chalk River, located to the south of Deep River, confirmed operational status but noted canceled bus services and heightened safety measures mandating students to remain indoors throughout the school day.
Various local businesses and organizations, such as Deep River and District Health, Canadian Tire, and Carefor Health and Community Services, have documented operational disruptions on Thursday. Mayor D’Eon commended the community’s compliance with safety directives while expressing a desire for improved communication methods beyond social media and public announcements.
The unfolding situation in Deep River has evoked a sense of unease in the typically tranquil community, with authorities intensifying efforts to ensure public safety and swiftly resolve the incident.
