Fredericton man charged with attempted murder after assault on Northside Trail

A Fredericton Police Force car. (Source: Fredericton Police Force/Facebook)

A 48-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after a person was assaulted on a trail in Fredericton Thursday afternoon.

The Fredericton Police Force responded to a report of an assault with a weapon along the Northside Trail between Douglas Avenue and Friel Street. They found and arrested a suspect at the scene.

Police say the victim was taken to hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition. They did not release any details about the victim or say what weapon was used.

“The victim and accused are known to each other,” said Fredericton police in a statement Friday. “This was an isolated and targeted incident, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety.”

In addition to attempted murder, John Arthur Dempsey of Fredericton has also been charged with assault and mischief in connection with an unrelated incident on April 19.

Dempsey was remanded into custody.

The Northside Trail was closed to pedestrian and cyclist traffic while police and K9 units were on scene Thursday. It reopened before 8:30 p.m.

Police say the attempted murder investigation is ongoing and they’re asking anyone with information to contact them at 506-460-2300 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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