Youth charged with attempted murder of girl at Quadeville
While early evidence suggested a possible animal attack, recent testing of samples taken from the victim's wounds revealed no traces of animal DNA, the OPP said.
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A 17-year-old male from Eastern Ontario has been charged with attempted murder and sexual assault with a weapon in connection with an attack on an eight-year-old girl at Quadeville, the Ontario Provincial Police said Wednesday night.
The OPP release also said that the youth remained in custody and was scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.
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The investigation began shortly after 9 p.m. on June 23, when officers with the OPP’s Upper Ottawa Valley detachment as well as the OPP Emergency Response Team and Canine Units responded to a report of a missing child in Quadeville, southeast of Barry’s Bay and about 165 kilometres west of Ottawa.
The canine unit located the eight-year-old just before 12:30 a.m. on June 24. The child, who had life-threatening injuries, was transported to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in Ottawa and, police said Wednesday night, remained under the care of medical professionals.
The cause of the victim’s injuries was initially unclear, police said in the release. While early evidence suggested a possible animal attack, multiple pathology experts were consulted as part of the investigation, and recent testing of samples taken from the victim’s wounds revealed no traces of animal DNA, the OPP added.
The 17-year-old was arrested Tuesday. His identity is protected by provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The eight-year-old girl cannot be named, either.
Wednesday evening’s media release said the OPP planned to conduct a townhall meeting at Quadeville on Saturday, July 12, with more details about time and location to be provided before then.
“The OPP acknowledges the community’s concerns regarding this incident and sincerely appreciates the public’s patience as the investigation progresses,” the release said.
Police asked anyone with information or relevant doorbell or surveillance video that could help investigators in the case to call the Upper Ottawa Valley detachment of the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous calls can be made to Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
Clarification: The dates in this story have been updated after incorrect information was initially provided by the OPP.
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