Kingston Police have a section of Montreal Street closed off to traffic following multiple serious assaults that took place this morning. Montreal Street is currently closed between Railway Street and Hickson Avenue as police have set up a mobile command station in the vacant lot north of Quattrocchi’s grocery store. Officers are on scene negotiating a standoff with the suspect involved in the morning assaults.
According to police, around 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, officers responded to the area around 661 Montreal Street, Kingston’s Integrated Care Hub (ICH) site, after reports of a serious assault. One victim was located on the east side of Montreal Street across from the vacant lot adjacent to Quattrocchi’s, according to Constable Anthony Colangeli, Media Relations Officer with Kingston Police.
Colangeli was among those who initially responded to the scene, and further detailed that two more victims were located, though he was unable to say where exactly the assaults took place, nor where the second and third victim were located by emergency responders. All three victims have been taken to hospital. The status of the victims and the extent of their injuries is unknown at this time. While police did not say there are other victims, multiple witnesses have reported other people being taken to hospital from the area. It is unclear if this is related to the series of assaults.
Describing the assaults as “very serious,” Colangeli said he could not confirm that a weapon was involved, but disclosed that witnesses have reported that the suspect had an edged weapon (some type of weapon with a blade) and/or a blunt instrument, such as a hammer.
Colangeli said that while he was unable to say where exactly the assaults occurred, authorities have confirmed the assaults did not occur in the ICH or involve anyone within it. The ICH remains open and operational at this time.
The suspect is currently contained, and there is no risk to public safety, Conlageli stressed. However, drivers and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area as police carry out investigations and negotiate with the suspect.
Kingston Police have closed Montreal Street between Railway Street and Hickson Avenue due to the incident, and police are asking members of the public to avoid the area.
Kingstonist is aware of a police presence overnight on Rideau Street in the 200 block that remained in place throughout the morning. According to police, this presence was there to secure a scene from a separate assault incident that occurred on Orchard Street on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Colangeli said that incident, which was domestic in nature, posed no threat to public safety, and the suspect is currently in custody. Although that stabbing was witin close proximity to area the assaults occurred this morning, the two cases are entirely unrelated, Kingston Police underlined.
This is a developing story. Kingstonist will continue to provide updated coverage as more information becomes available.
Investigation Underway: Kingston Police Seek Information
Kingston Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward, particularly those who may have witnessed the assaults. The Kingston Police can be reached at 613-549-4660, or you can provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Three Victims Taken to Hospital in Critical Condition
According to Frontenac County Paramedics, three victims were transported to Kingston General Hospital in critical condition. The victims sustained injuries consistent with both blunt force trauma and those caused by edged weapons. This tragic incident has deeply affected the community, and the focus remains on the well-being of the victims and their families.
Impact on Integrated Care Hub and Community
The Integrated Care Hub, where one of the assaults took place, has been affected by the incident, and the facility was temporarily locked down. Staff at the Hub have been providing support to those impacted by the assaults, demonstrating their commitment to the community. The assaults have highlighted the vulnerability and challenges faced by those who utilize the Hub's services, and the need for continued support and resources for vulnerable populations.
Community Reaction and Support
The triple stabbing has sparked a wave of concern and support within the Kingston community. Residents are expressing their shock and dismay over the incident, while also offering support to the victims and their families. The incident has also prompted a conversation about the safety and security of public spaces in the city, and the need for ongoing efforts to address issues of violence and homelessness.
A Day of Tragedy and Support
The events of September 12, 2024, will undoubtedly be remembered as a day of tragedy for the Kingston community. As police continue to investigate the assaults, the community is coming together to support the victims and their families. The incident underscores the importance of community support and collaboration in addressing issues of violence and vulnerability, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.
