Montreal police are investigating after a 53-year-old man was stabbed by his hospital roommate early Tuesday.
A 911 call came in around 1:15 a.m. about a violent incident at the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) in the city’s downtown core.
Police say it appears the suspect attacked the other patient sharing his room and a hospital employee quickly intervened.
The victim was stabbed in the upper body and seriously injured, according to police. He was treated on-site by medical staff and, as of 3 a.m., his life is no longer in danger.
Police say a 35-year-old man was restrained until officers arrived at the scene.
The suspect had been taken to hospital Monday evening after being picked up following a call for a person in distress who had possibly started a fire in his apartment, according to police. He was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation but was not arrested.
In a written statement, the CHUM described the case as an “unfortunate and exceptional” event. The hospital said it is going over what happened to ensure all necessary protocols were followed.
“The safety of patients and staff remains our priority,” the hospital said. “Following our analysis, our teams will work together to make the necessary adjustments, if required.”
The motivate behind the attack is not yet clear, police said. Investigators were expected to meet with witnesses in the morning.
— with files from The Canadian Press