Six people — four children and two adults — were killed in what Ottawa’s police chief called a mass shooting inside a townhouse in the suburb of Barrhaven late Wednesday night.
Calls to 911 started coming in at about 10:50 p.m., directing first responders to Berrigan Drive near Palmadeo Drive. It’s a residential area close to two schools.
Inside, emergency responders found six people dead and one injured person, who was taken to hospital.
The identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed, police said, and their investigation continues.
A male, who police also haven’t identified, was arrested at the scene about 15 kilometres south of Ottawa’s downtown core.
The force said there is no ongoing risk to public safety.
Not believed to be intimate partner violence
In an interview with CBC Radio’s Ottawa Morning, police Chief Eric Stubbs said the force can’t yet comment about the relationship, if any, between the victims and the suspect.
He said investigators do not believe it to be a case of intimate partner violence.
“This is a tragic file … and it will greatly impact the city of Ottawa, let alone the immediate neighbourhood in Barrhaven. So obviously we encourage everybody to reach out and get help to help manage themselves through this traumatic event,” Stubbs said.
In a separate interview on CBC News Network later Thursday, he called the incident a mass shooting.
WATCH | Some of a morning update from the police chief:
Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs says, at this stage, investigators do not believe the multiple homicide in a suburban Ottawa community was a case of domestic violence or intimate partner violence.
‘I can’t believe it’
After hearing the news early Thursday, Barrhaven resident David Brose came to the scene.
“I’m obviously in shock … it’s tough,” he said, his voice breaking. “I’m just in awe. I can’t believe it.”
Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod, whose riding includes this part of Barrhaven, said the community woke up to shock and grief.
“There are no words for the heartbreak me and my neighbours feel for the surviving family, friends [and] playmates of the deceased,” she said.
On social media, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe called it “one of the most shocking incidents of violence in our city’s history.”
I was devastated to learn of the multiple homicide in Barrhaven, one of the most shocking incidents of violence in our city’s history. We are proud to live in a safe community but this news is distressing to all Ottawa residents. Ginny and I are thinking of the family members and…
—@_MarkSutcliffe
Coun. Wilson Lo, who represents the area, said on social media that he was “saddened to learn of the tragic loss of six Barrhaven neighbours,” and that his thoughts are with their loved ones and people close by.
Property records show it has been owned by two people since 2013.
CBC is working to confirm more details.
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