Brockville police arrest 1 man in homicide investigation

Brockville police have one man in custody after another man was killed in the city Sunday evening.

According to a police news release, officers were called to a disturbance on Cedar Street between Church and Abbott streets. The caller also indicated that a man needed medical assistance.

Despite the efforts of police and paramedics, police say the man did not survive the altercation.

Police have now identified the victim as 32-year-old Matthew McKinnon.

According to police, McKinnon succumbed to stab wounds at the scene.

Police also say people involved in the altercation had gone to hide in a nearby home, so officers brought in a negotiator to make contact with the suspects, who surrendered themselves after a short period of time.

Ryan Russell Ballantyne, 34, has been charged with second-degree murder and remains in custody.

Global News spoke to neighbours who live near where the incident took place and said they were shocked to hear of the murder.

“It’s one of those neighbourhoods where you’re out and about and everyone stops in to say ‘hello’ and ‘how are you.’ Lots of dogs in the neighbourhood. We are all pretty friendly with each other,” said Barb Winstone, a mother of two who lives on Cedar Street.

Winstone also said she was worried that Brockville’s only murder this year happened so close to home.

“I’m shocked, really I am,” said Mary McKay, another Cedar Street resident.

“I’m sure I’m going to know some of the people involved in this.”

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OPP officers will be assisting Brocvkille police in the investigation.

Police are asking anyone who was in the area of the altercation between 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Sunday evening to contact the Brockville Police Service at 613-342-0127.

With files from Neil McArtney