BURST
Ottawa police detectives are investigating after a Jewish woman was stabbed by a stranger Wednesday afternoon at a west-end grocery store known for the largest kosher selection in town.
The woman, in her 70s, was stabbed in the torso as she shopped at Loblaws at College Square on Baseline Road. The West Criminal Investigations Unit is leading the case, and confirmed Thursday that the police hate-crimes squad has been enlisted to help.
Investigators have confirmed that the suspect and the victim were not known to one another prior to the incident, said police on Thursday.
Joseph (Joe) Rooke, 71, of Cornwall, has been charged with aggravated assault and possession of a dangerous weapon. He is still under investigation and could face more charges in the case.
Police say the woman entered the grocery store with a friend around 1:35 p.m. on Wednesday when she was approached by a man and stabbed.
She was rushed to hospital with serious wounds, treated and later released. Police were called and the man surrendered peacefully.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa said the woman is a “cherished member of our community” and is recovering.
The federation said it won’t share further details out of respect for her privacy.
“We have all been deeply shaken by the stabbing incident that took place yesterday afternoon at the Baseline Kosher Loblaws,” said the Facebook post.
“The Jewish Federation of Ottawa is following developments closely, has been in constant contact with law enforcement, and is grateful and relieved to know that the victim, a cherished member of our community, is recovering.”
The post added that the Jewish Federation of Ottawa has been in touch with police and remains closely engaged.
“We are working with all relevant authorities, including hate crimes investigators and the Chief of Police. The Ottawa Police Service has been very supportive, and at this time there is no indication of increased risk to Jewish facilities or institutions. We are grateful for law enforcement’s swift response and ongoing diligence.”
The federation has also been in contact with the mayor’s office, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and the director of the National Security Program for the Jewish Security Network to ensure a coordinated response, said the post.
“We have also reached out to Loblaws to begin discussions on ways to ensure Jewish community members feel safe while shopping. At the same time, we are strengthening community security infrastructure, both with our Jewish institutional partners and with the Ottawa Police Service, the Director of Community Safety and Well-being, and other city services. In the weeks ahead, we will expand these efforts as we continue building a community security framework modelled on proven national approaches.”
In a post on X, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said he was sad and troubled to learn of the unprovoked assault.
“This reprehensible violence has understandably caused significant distress within Ottawa’s Jewish community. I have connected with members of the victim’s family leaders of the Jewish community to express my support and solidarity on behalf of all Ottawa residents,” said Sutcliffe.
“We must stand together against violence and hatred in all its forms and continue working together to ensure Ottawa remains a safe and inclusive city for everyone.”
In a statement released Thursday, the Ottawa Police Service said it is looking at “all potential motives behind this unprovoked attack” and will provide updates as they are available.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact the OPS West Criminal Investigations Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 2666. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477.