A 14-hour hostage taking inside a home in Kanata ended with Ottawa police forcing entry into the residence to rescue the woman and an officer shooting the suspect, according to Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit.
The Ottawa Police Service was contacted Thursday morning about “concerns for the safety of a woman believed to be held hostage” at a home on Finlayson Crescent in the Morgan’s Grant neighbourhood.
Police say officers established a secure perimeter around the residence, and a significant police presence was spotted around the home, including armed officers, during the day.
“For more than 14 hours, officers and negotiators worked to peacefully resolve the situation,” police said in a media release Thursday night.
“At 9 p.m., Tactical Unit (officers) made entry into the residence and rescued the woman, who was physically unharmed, and is receiving appropriate supports.”
Police say the male suspect was taken into custody and transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) says police received a 9-1-1 call at approximately 7 a.m. Thursday about a woman being held hostage at knife point inside the home.
“Officers attempted to negotiate with the man until about 9 p.m., when officers forced entry into the home and rescued the woman,” the SIU said in a statement Friday afternoon.
“An officer shot the man. He is in stable condition in hospital.”
The SIU said the 42-year-old man was arrested in connection with holding a woman hostage.
A spokesperson for the Special Investigations Unit told CTV News Ottawa the SIU has invoked its mandate and is now investigating. The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of police officers that may have resulted in death, serious injury and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.
Police said their investigation remains ongoing and charges are pending.
“The Ottawa Police Service would like to thank area residents for their patience and cooperation during the operation,” police said. “Public safety remained the top priority throughout the incident.”
