(QUADEVILLE, ON) - An individual has been charged with attempted murder in connection with an attack on a child in Quadeville, southeast of Barry's Bay.
On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, shortly after 9:00 p.m., officers with the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), OPP Emergency Response Team and Canine Units responded to a report of a missing child in Quadeville.
The OPP Canine Unit located the eight-year-old child just before 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. The child, who sustained life-threatening injuries, was transported to hospital, and remains under the care of medical professionals.
During the investigation, the cause of the victim's injuries was unclear. While early evidence suggested a possible animal attack, investigators did not rule out human involvement. To aid in the investigation, multiple pathology experts were consulted. While the incident is still under investigation, recent testing of samples taken from the victim's wounds has now revealed no traces of animal DNA.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, a 17-year-old male from eastern Ontario was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with:
- Attempt to commit murder - section 239(1)(b)
- Sexual assault with a weapon on a person under 16 years old - section 272(1)(a)
The accused was held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.
As the accused is a youth, the OPP cannot release the name or any other personal details, under the terms of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The OPP acknowledges the community's concerns regarding this incident and sincerely appreciates the public's patience as the investigation progresses.
The OPP is planning to hold a townhall meeting on Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Quadeville to address questions and concerns from local residents. Further information will be shared as more information about time and location become available.
The investigation is being led by the UOV OPP Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, with assistance from multiple OPP units including the Emergency Response Team, Canine Units, Regional Support Team, Forensic Identification Services and front-line officers from multiple detachments.
Anyone with information or relevant doorbell or surveillance video that could help investigators, should call the UOV OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.