WARNING: This story contains graphic descriptions of violence.
Two people are dead and a third critically injured after an attack near a safe consumption site and encampment in Kingston, Ont., on Thursday morning.
In a media release late Thursday afternoon, Kingston Police said the violence unfolded at the encampment around the city’s Consumption Treatment Services (CTS) and Integrated Care Hub (ICH) at 661 Montreal St.
“The victims, who were suffering injuries consistent with those caused by an edged weapon and blunt instrument were transported to local hospital with life-threatening injuries,” the release said.
“Two of the victims have succumbed to their injuries while the third remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries.”
Earlier, Frontenac County paramedics told CBC all three victims — two males and a female — were taken to hospital in critical condition.
An hours-long standoff between police and the alleged attacker ended with his arrest shortly before 5 p.m. Police said the man was arrested “without incident.”
Kingston Police Const. Anthony Colangeli said, “as horrific as this incident was, I think [the standoff] ended the best way possible, which was a peaceful surrender of the suspect.”
Police said they were first called to the scene near Belle Park around 10:40 a.m., where they located the victims.
Colangeli said officers are investigating multiple crime scenes. Police have closed Montreal Street between Hickson Avenue and Railway Street.
Police are asking the public to avoid the area as the investigation continues.
Witness describes violent scene
A man who lives in the nearby encampment said he witnessed the incident and is “familiar” with the individuals involved. CBC has agreed not to identify the man for his safety.
He said he witnessed a man punch another man to the ground and stab him.
“After he stabbed him a few times, he hit him with either a hatchet or a hammer on the head several times. Another man tried to intervene and stop it and he was stabbed a couple times in the chest,” the witness said.
The witnessed said a woman who knows the alleged attacker then chased him down the street.
“He proceeded to beat her with a hammer and stomped on her head,” said the witness. “I’m numb right now. I still can’t believe it. I can’t believe it happened like that.”
The witness said he doesn’t know what might have motivated the attack. He said police evacuated the surrounding area including the encampment.
Mayor calls for closure of injection site, encampment
“I am absolutely horrified by the situation unfolding — this is an utterly senseless act of violence,” Paterson said in the statement, which was issued before the standoff ended.
Kingston Police said they were first called to the scene around 10:40 a.m., after receiving reports of a serious assault around the safe consumption site and Integrated Care Hub at 661 Montreal Street. (Daniel Taekema/CBC)
The mayor also issued a call to close the safe injection site and clear the nearby encampment.
“It’s clear the safe injection site and ICH need to close immediately. It is no longer safe for people to use CTS and we need to respond.”
Paterson said the city has been talking about the dangers surrounding the site for “close to three years,” and the time has come to act.
“There are community partners and advocates who have fought the city on every attempt we’ve made to clear the encampment and ensure public safety for those living there,” he said.
“I will not stand by and wait until more people die — enough is enough. We need to clear the encampment, close this safe injection site and the ICH until we can find a better way to support our most vulnerable residents and work with the province to provide treatment and housing solutions.”
Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson is calling for the closure of the safe consumption site and clearing of the nearby encampment. (Dan Taekema/CBC)
Joe Quattrocchi, who owns a grocery store on Montreal Street said that people who stay outside of the ICH had been getting “increasingly disruptive.”
The ICH will be temporarily closing its services due to the ongoing police investigation, according to a press release from the care hub Thursday evening.
“Our immediate priority is to support our clients and individuals in our community who are impacted as well as of course the staff of all our organizations,” read the statement.