Ottawa was shaken Thursday night after a woman was killed in the Barrhaven community, with police and paramedics responding to a deadly incident on Ashbourne Crescent.
Ottawa Police Service and Ottawa Paramedic Service were called to the scene, where they found the woman with fatal injuries. One person has since been arrested in connection with the death, according to police.
What We Know
Authorities confirmed the homicide took place on Ashbourne Crescent, a residential street in Barrhaven — one of Ottawa's largest and fastest-growing suburban communities in the city's southwest end. Police and paramedics responded to the scene Thursday evening, but despite their efforts, the woman did not survive.
Ottawa Police have not yet released the victim's identity, pending notification of next of kin. Details on the accused and the circumstances surrounding the incident have also not been made public as the investigation remains in its early stages.
Barrhaven on Alert
Barrhaven is typically one of Ottawa's quieter family-oriented neighbourhoods, home to tens of thousands of residents drawn by its suburban feel, proximity to the Rideau River, and growing commercial strip along Strandherd Drive. Violent crime of this nature is rare in the area, and incidents like this one tend to have a significant impact on the tight-knit community.
Residents in the area are understandably concerned whenever violence occurs in what is generally considered a safe part of the city. Ottawa Police are urging anyone with information about Thursday night's incident to come forward.
Investigation Ongoing
The Ottawa Police Service's major crime unit is expected to take the lead on the investigation going forward. While one arrest has been made, police have not indicated whether they believe there are additional suspects involved or whether the public faces any ongoing risk.
Homicide investigations in Ottawa typically involve forensic teams, canvassing for witnesses, and a review of any available surveillance footage in the area. Police have not yet confirmed whether they will be releasing further details at a press conference.
How to Help
If you were in the Ashbourne Crescent area Thursday night and witnessed anything suspicious, Ottawa Police are asking you to contact them directly. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
This is a developing story. ottown.ca will update as more information becomes available from Ottawa Police.
Source: CBC Ottawa
