A Grafton, Ont., man faces charges following a stabbing in Cobourg on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Cobourg Police Service, around 3 p.m., officers responded to a reported stabbing in the area of James and John streets in the town’s south end near the downtown.
Police located a man with stab wound injuries. He was taken to Northumberland Hills Hospital in serious condition but had non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
Police say the suspect fled the area on foot but was located a short distance away.
Jesse Hall, 28, of Grafton, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon contrary to a prohibition order and failure to comply with probation.
He was held in custody and is scheduled to appear in court in Cobourg on Thursday.
“This is believed to be an isolated event, and there is no concern for public safety at this time,” police said Thursday.
The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Const. Maguire at 905-372-6821 ext. 2276, or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by phone by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or online by visiting stopcrimehere.ca.
It was the second incident on Wednesday after police around 5 a.m. found an injured man in the area of Division and Munroe streets. Police say he was struck by an object.
Police chief responds
In a short media conference on Thursday afternoon along James and John streets, police chief Paul VandeGraaf said both incidents remain under investigation and that the victims have been medically cleared.
He noted so far in 2021, police have responded to 67 calls to one residence and 141 in the neighbourhood.
“That’s too many calls for one area,” he said.
He said in July the service deployed two police officers to focus resources on the neighbourhood to “try to make a change.” He also praised the efforts of the town’s staff and firefighters to address ongoing issues.
“I’m here to reassure the community that this is a safe place to be — we know what the issues that are before us,” he said.
“We are working toward collaborative solutions. If I were to try to do this alone as a police chief, then you’re beating your head against a wall.”
The police chief said he wanted to reaffirm there is not a widespread issue in the town.
“With this kind of team we know we are going to get there. I’m just asking for more patience but we are making strides for the long haul,” he said.
When asked out repeat offenders being released by the court system
“We can do what we can do. We put our best foot forward. Our members lay the charges where there is reasonable probability for convictions,” he said. “The courts are different entity — it’s a different ministry. I’ll reserve comments today, recognizing there’s no system that’s perfect but there needs to be some changes in relation to these incidents.”
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