Ottawa police say two youths have been charged after a 55-year-old man was stabbed in a popular Nepean park last week. In a post on Facebook, Coun. Sean Devine said the incident happened in Craig Henry Park at around 9:40 p.m. Thursday. Devine says the victim was a parent who intervened in a conflict between several girls under 15-years-old. “A 55-year-old male parent attempted to intervene and was stabbed by one of the youths,” Devine said. On Monday, Ottawa police told CTV News that two youths have been charged in connection to the incident, but no further details were provided. Police say there are no further concerns about public safety and an investigation is ongoing. Ottawa paramedics told CTV News on Saturday that the man had been taken to the Ottawa Hospital trauma centre in stable condition after being stabbed twice in the abdomen. His injuries are said to be non-life threatening. Devine says he has been working with police and the city to bring attention to the growing amount of concerning activity in the area in the last few years, ranging from intimidation, dangerous driving and other violent incidents. He says residents have been raising safety concerns in the area for some time and believes it highlights the need to address them. “When I saw the officers the other day, they did mention that they’re not surprised to hear of youth walking around with knives. That is extremely sad to hear,” Devine said Monday. “I need local youth to be part of the solution here, give us insight into why this is happening, give us insight into who is doing this. I’m looking to talk with local youth in this community to find out how they can help us address this.” Deirdre Guy, vice-president of the Craig Henry Community Association, says members of the neighbourhood feel safe but says the age range of the perpetrators in concerning. “Everyone, of course, in the neighborhood is concerned. It is sad that is happening and that has turned out has it as it has,” she said. “The more that we can do to help educate and also help provide opportunities for our children to have something else to do besides sit at home on their phones. It’s wonderful to get people out into a community environment.” A similar incident occurred last June when two teenagers were charged on several assault charges after a stabbing that took place in Mooney’s Bay Park. The stabbing incident at Craig Henry Park was one of four violent incidents that occurred over a 24-hour period in Ottawa between Thursday evening and Friday night. With files from CTV’s Josh Marano and Adam Beauchemin
