A shelter-in-place order has been lifted in Deep River, Ont., as police continue to investigate a “serious assault” that left a person with life-threatening stab wounds. Municipal facilities and schools were closed in the Ottawa Valley town on Thursday as a shelter-in-place was in effect for the community. The shelter-in-place was lifted just after 3 p.m., but an increased police presence will remain in the area. Residents are being asked to avoid the area of Golf Course Road and McElligott Drive, between Banting Drive and Granite Lane. Ontario Provincial Police say officers responded to a “serious incident” in the area of McElligott Drive at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. One person was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. There was no update on their condition on Thursday afternoon. “One of my coworkers or colleagues actually picked the lady up and brought her to the hospital but there’s not much information going around,” Deep River resident Wyatt Kreuger told CTV News Ottawa. “A cop pulled up and said, ‘Hey, do you see anybody tall and skinny walking around?’ and I said no.” Bob Donders, another resident, said Deep River is generally a safe community. “I just checked my shed just in case the person had taken shelter in my shed,” he said. The Deep River Police said on Thursday morning officers were working to locate the suspect involved in the stabbing. Ontario Provincial Police are assisting the Deep River Police Service with the investigation. Deep River Mayor Sue D’Eon and Deep River Police Service Board chair Tracy Russell issued a statement, thanking residents, businesses and visitors for their patience and cooperation during the shelter-in-place. “We recognize that situations like this can be frightening and stressful for the entire community,” the statement said. “Deep River is a strong and caring community. We are grateful for the professionalism and dedication of everyone involved in the emergency response and for the calm and cooperation shown throughout our community.” D’Eon told CTV News Ottawa she understands why residents are anxious. “We’re not used to this type of thing and it’s a little bit unnerving. Quite unnerving, actually, so, yeah, it’s a difficult situation for everybody,” she said. Her message to residents is to hold loved ones safe, keep in touch, and to try to be compassionate with each other and patient with law enforcement. The Mackenzie Community School was closed Thursday to students and staff. The Renfrew County Catholic District School Board says St. Mary’s OLGC School was also closed. Both schools said they would be open on Friday with normal school bus transportation. “Additionally, our board mental health and wellness team will be on site along with a staff member from Victim Services to support staff and students during this challenging time,” the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board said late Thursday afternoon. The Royal Canadian Legion in Deep River said the lunch and patio BBQ is cancelled today. Anyone with information, surveillance footage or dash camera footage of the area of Golf Course Road and McElligott Drive is asked to contact the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Deep River is located about 190 kilometres northwest of downtown Ottawa. Approximately 4,200 people live in Deep River. With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Katelyn Wilson
