Ottawa’s Jewish community shaken after stabbing of woman at grocery store

Ottawa police say an elderly man is facing charges following the stabbing of a Jewish woman at the College Square Loblaws. CTV’s Natalie van Rooy reports.

A 71-year-old man is facing charges after a woman in her 70s was stabbed inside a grocery store at College Square in Ottawa’s west end Wednesday afternoon.

On Thursday, police said the West Criminal Investigations Unit is leading the investigation and is being supported by the Hate and Bias Crime Unit.

“The Ottawa Police Service is looking at all potential motives behind this unprovoked assault,” police said. “We understand and appreciate the community concern related to this investigation and will continue to provide updates as they are available.”

Court documents identify the suspect as Joseph Rooke, of Cornwall. He is charged with aggravated assault and possession of a dangerous weapon

In a statement, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs said the victim is “a valued member of the Jewish community” and said it was deeply troubled to learn of the attack, noting that the Loblaws at College Square is home to a large kosher section.

“We are in close contact with the Ottawa Police Service as well as the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. We’ll be working together as we all monitor this situation,” said Josh Landau, CIJA’s Ontario director of government relations.

Deputy Ottawa Police Chief Trish Ferguson said the Hate and Bias Crime Unit was being brought in early to aid in the investigation.

“It’s not standard procedure, but we like to bring them in early and if it’s determined that it’s not a case that is motivated by hate or bias, then we haven’t lost anything,” Ferguson told CTV News Ottawa on Thursday. “But we like to have them in as subject matter experts to assist our investigators in determining what the real motive was for this.”

The Jewish Federation of Ottawa said it is working with all relevant authorities, including hate crimes investigators, the police chief and Loblaws.

“The Ottawa Police Service has been very supportive, and at this time there is no indication of increased risk to Jewish facilities or institutions. We are grateful for law enforcement’s swift response and ongoing diligence,” it said in a post on social media. “Our thoughts and heartfelt wishes are with the victim and their loved ones, and we have reached out to the family to offer support. We invite you to join us in sending them refuah shlema, prayers for strength and healing.”

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe says he has connected with members of the victim’s family and leaders in the Jewish community to “express my support and solidarity on behalf of all Ottawa residents.”

Woman attacked after entering store

The Ottawa Police Service said police received several calls for a stabbing in the 1900 block of Baseline Road at 1:35 p.m. Wednesday.

Police say the woman entered the Loblaws store with a friend, and she was “approached by a man who stabbed her, leaving her with serious injuries.”

Store staff assisted the victim, who was found in the produce section, near the entrance of the store, before emergency crews arrived a short time later.

“The suspect was arrested on scene, and the victim was transported to the hospital,” police said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa Wednesday night.

“Detectives continue to investigate the matter to ensure all aspects of the case are understood and charges are expected.”

Assault, weapon charges laid

Rooke appeared in court Thursday. Police say investigators confirmed the suspect and the victim were not known to each other prior to the incident.

Ferguson told CTV News Ottawa the woman is still in the care of doctors. On Wednesday, police said in a news release the woman had been released from the hospital.

“The victim remained in hospital overnight as a precaution and continues to receive medical care. Although she was initially expected to be discharged, medical staff advised continued observation to ensure her well-being,” a police spokesperson said Thursday afternoon.

She says the Ottawa Police Service shares the community’s concern.

“This is a very serious crime. As we said, an unprovoked attack, which is not something that anybody is comfortable with in our community, least of all the Ottawa Police Service,” Ferguson said. “Obviously, members of the community are concerned. We have numerous outreaches into the community to engage with our partners and be able to provide whatever support is required.”

Ferguson thanked store staff and witnesses who helped the victim and provided police with information.

The Loblaws was closed for the day on Wednesday after the incident.

“The incident is currently under investigation, and we are fully cooperating with authorities,” a spokesperson for Loblaw said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service’s West Criminal Investigations Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 2666.