Charges have been laid against two men in their 20s after a swarming in the Tunney's Pasture area Tuesday night.
Ottawa Police say it happened at around 9:45 p.m. A man and a woman were on a pathway in the area when they were confronted by four male suspects, at least one of whom had a knife. The suspects demanded the man's bag.
Police allege the male victim was knocked to the ground and assaulted, and was also cut during the scuffle, requiring treatment in hospital. The female victim's purse was stolen.
A search for the suspects involved the K9 unit and, after following a trail of blood, police found and arrested five people--three males and two females--in an apartment on Carruthers Avenue. Some of them were under 18 and one of them also had a knife wound, which was treated in hospital.
Of the five people arrested, three have been released without charges.
21-year-old Anthony Pike and 23-year-old Emmanuel Gutteridge are now each facing two counts of robbery, one count of possession of a weapon, and one count of assault causing bodily harm. Pike is also charged with obstructing a peace officer, uttering threats, and breach of probation. Gutteridge is facing a separate charge of assaulting a peace officer.
Both had a Wednesday court date. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa Police Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5116. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).