Police investigating 'gruesome' assault at east-end Ottawa home
Ottawa police's major crimes unit is investigating after a man in his 30s was discovered in his east-end home Wednesday afternoon with life-threatening injuries.
Police launched their investigation after someone pressed the panic button on an alarm system at 87 Rothbury Crescent at around 12:30 p.m.
Neighbours have identified the victim in the assault as Ian Cope, a computer consultant who also runs a karaoke business from his apartment and uses a wheelchair.
The assault has left neighbour Julian Wamba concerned about his own family's safety.
"Our daughter, we told her that if someone knocks at the door, don't open," said Wamba.
"He didn't deserve that. The man obviously didn't deserve that."
Tristan McAllister told CBC Ottawa's Ashley Burke that he saw Cope emerge from the building on a stretcher.
"He had some injuries, had some blood on him, had some bruises on his face," said McAllister. "It was pretty gruesome."
Police say they are investigating whether the attack was a home invasion or an attempted robbery.
Anyone with information can contact the major crimes unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5493. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by downloading the Ottawa Police iOS app.
