Man charged after elderly woman stabbed at kosher grocery story in Ottawa

A man has been charged after a woman in her 70s was stabbed Wednesday afternoon at a kosher grocery store in Ottawa.

Ottawa police said one of its criminal investigations units is in charge and is being supported by the Hate and Bias Crime Unit.

According to police, the incident occurred just after 1:30 p.m. when the woman went into the store with a friend. “She was approached by a man who stabbed her leaving her with serious injuries,” police said in a news release.

Police were called and officers arrested the suspect, a 71-year-old man.

Update: charges laid in Baseline Rd. stabbingThis morning, a 71-year-old male appeared in court and was formally charged with:Aggravated AssaultPossession of a Dangerous WeaponFor more information: https://t.co/dYC44vj8aV~La version française suivra sous peu à… pic.twitter.com/LbAHoJRfER

— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) August 28, 2025

Staff from the store helped the woman until paramedics arrived. She was treated at a hospital and later released. Police said the suspect and the victim did not know each other.

“Detectives continue to investigate the matter to ensure all aspects of the case are understood and charges are expected,” police said.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa (JFO) said the woman is a “cherished” member of the community and she was recovering. The group said it wouldn’t be sharing further details about her out of respect for her privacy.

The group said the incident occurred at a kosher Loblaws.

We have all been deeply shaken by the stabbing incident that took place yesterday afternoon at the Baseline Kosher...

Posted by JFO: Jewish Federation of Ottawa on Thursday, August 28, 2025

JFO has been in touch with police and “relevant authorities, including hate crimes investigators and the Chief of Police.” It has also reached out to Loblaws “to begin discussions on ways to ensure Jewish community members feel safe while shopping.”

There was “no indication of increased risk to Jewish facilities or institutions,” per JFO.

The suspect appeared in court on Thursday, police said.

He was charged with aggravated assault and possession of a dangerous weapon.

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