Ottawa police are investigating after a young man and a teenage girl were stabbed in Mooney’s Bay Saturday evening. Police say they responded to the Mooney’s Bay area off Riverside Drive at approximately 8:52 p.m. for an “altercation” involving a large group of young people. CTV News Ottawa cameras at the scene Saturday evening found two areas cordoned off with police tape, one next a play structure and another part of the field nearby. An 18-year-old man was stabbed and taken to the Ottawa Hospital’s trauma centre in critical condition, an Ottawa paramedics spokesperson told CTV News Ottawa. A 16-year-old girl was also taken to hospital in stable condition with minor lacerations. Ottawa police Insp. Jamie Harper said at the scene that approximately 20 youth were in the park when the altercation began. Harper says video footage shows the incident was likely targeted as the individuals appeared to know each other. “It’s a senseless and cowardly act that unfortunately happens in our community time and time again. As for why it happened, there’s no reason for this type of violence,” he said. He says the condition of the male victim who suffered life-threatening injuries has improved. No arrests have been made, but Harper says footage of the incident shows the suspects and investigators are working to identify them. The investigation remains in its infancy, he said. “The video evidence is very clear and excellent footage that demonstrates the escalation that led up to the actual stabbing and very clear video of the suspects,” Harper said. Investigators remained at the scene Sunday conducting a large-scale search of the area in hopes of finding further evidence. The police investigation forced the cancellation of the MS Walk that had been scheduled at Mooney’s Bay. Organizers say donations are still being accepted. With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Natalie van Rooy
