Woman rescued after being held hostage for 14 hours at Ottawa home: police

The Ottawa Police Service established a secure perimeter around a home on Finlayson Crescent on Thursday, where a woman was held hostage for more than 14 hours. (Brad Quinn/CTV News Ottawa)

A woman was rescued by Ottawa police after being held hostage for more than 14 hours inside a home in Kanata.

The Ottawa Police Service was contacted Thursday morning about “concerns for the safety of a woman believed to be held hostage” at a home on Finlayson Crescent in the Morgan’s Grant neighbourhood.

Police say officers established a secure perimeter around the residence, and a significant police presence was spotted around the home, including armed officers, during the day.

“For more than 14 hours, officers and negotiators worked to peacefully resolve the situation,” police said in a media release Thursday night.

“At 9 p.m., Tactical Unit (officers) made entry into the residence and rescued the woman, who was physically unharmed, and is receiving appropriate supports.”

Police say the male suspect was taken into custody and transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to the media release, a police firearm was discharged during the investigation. The Special Investigations Unit has been notified of the incident.

A spokesperson for the Special Investigations Unit told CTV News Ottawa the SIU has invoked its mandate. The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of police officers that may have resulted in death, serious injury and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and charges are pending.

“The Ottawa Police Service would like to thank area residents for their patience and cooperation during the operation,” police said. “Public safety remained the top priority throughout the incident.”

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