Ottawa police solve mystery of crossbow bolt found lodged in Orléans home

A crossbow bolt lodged in the side of Patrick Rowland's home near Lalande Conservation Park. (Patrick Rowland/Provided)

A person has admitted to firing a crossbow bolt at a coyote on a pathway in Orléans, which ended up lodged in the back of a home, according to police.

The Ottawa Police Service launched an investigation after the crossbow bolt was discovered lodged in the back of a home on Plainhill Drive. The incident is believed to have happened overnight between June 7 and June 8 at the home near Lalande Conservation Park where coyotes had been spotted.

Police say following an extensive investigation, which included reviewing surveillance footage, investigators identified the person responsible.

“On July 17, the individual attended the East District station and admitted to firing a crossbow bolt at a coyote while walking along a nearby pathway,” police said.

“The bolt missed the animal, ricocheted off the pavement and was later found lodged in the residence.”

No injuries were reported to humans or animals.

The homeowner told CTV News Ottawa on June 10 that he believed coyotes in the park were the intended target of the crossbow bolt. He said the crossbow bolt pierced through the fence and into his backyard, becoming lodged in the side of his home.

Police say the individual was “deemed suitable for diversion,” which is an alternative process that promotes accountability through appropriate conditions or programming rather than formal prosecution.

The incident occurred as the City of Ottawa and Ministry of Natural Resources investigated a reported incident involving coyotes in Lalande Conservation Park in June.

The mother of a 14-year-old boy told CTV News Ottawa her son was attacked by three coyotes while biking through the park. Lalande Conservation Park is located in the area of Nantes Street, Portobello Boulevard and Provence Avenue, and is near École élémentaire publique Des Sentiers.

Officials reopened Lalande Conservation Park in late June after the coyote pups living grew up and a coyote den in the park was no longer occupied.

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