Residents of Deep River, Ont., have been told to shelter in place following a Wednesday evening stabbing that left one person with life-threatening injuries, according to police.
People in the town of about 4,200 people along the Trans-Canada Highway have been asked to stay inside, lock their doors and windows, close their blinds and avoid interacting with anyone they do not know since around 7:20 p.m. Wednesday.
Some of its schools and businesses say they are closed until further notice.
There’s no information about any suspects or arrests.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said Thursday officers responded to a “serious incident” around McElligott Drive at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
One person was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries. They were still alive as of 11 a.m. Thursday, OPP said.
In an update posted at 2 a.m. on Thursday, Deep River police said they and OPP are actively investigating and “are working to locate the suspect involved. At this time, the suspect has not been arrested.”
“I think we’re all very anxious,” Deep River Mayor Suzanne D’Eon told CBC News on Thursday.
“Certainly these things are very unusual in our community. I’m worried for the family and friends of the victim. I don’t know who the victim is, but my heart goes out to them.”
Deep River is a rough halfway point on a drive between Ottawa and North Bay. It, and Mattawa on the other side, are hubs for stopping before a drive through a largely remote area along the Ottawa River just east of Algonquin Park.
The Town of Deep River wrote Thursday morning that all town facilities are closed until further notice and waste collection will be postponed.
The Renfrew County District School Board wrote online that Mackenzie Community School is closed Thursday and that buses in the Deep River area have been cancelled.
The Renfrew County Catholic District School Board said St. Mary’s OLGC School would also be closed.
St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Chalk River, south of Deep River, wrote online Thursday that it will be open but buses are cancelled and the school is “taking additional precautions,” including keeping students indoors for the entire school day.
Other businesses and organizations also reported disruptions online on Thursday, including Deep River and District Health, the local Canadian Tire and Carefor Health and Community Services.
“The community has been really good to try and follow all the guidance,” D’Eon said, but added that she wished there had been a better way to get the word out about the shelter in place order other than social media and “going around in a firetruck with a loudspeaker.”
