Ottawa Police Blotter – July 8

Good Morning Ottawa, The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has been very busy with a number of stories to report on. 

Merivale Road Shooting

On July 4, at approximately 7:20 P.M. ET, an altercation occurred between two large groups. Shots were fired into a vehicle of people involved in the altercation, striking one passenger. They were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities took two people into custody at the scene, later releasing them pending further investigation.

The OPS is asking anyone with information to contact the Guns and Gangs Unit.

Murder-Suicide Investigation Continues

In a follow-up to the homicide of the two young boys in their Mandevilla Crescent home on June 29, the OPS seeks to support the boys’ mother and to respect her privacy. The names of the children will not be released publicly.

Police have, however, released the identity of the father. Authorities found 40-year-old Mohammed Al-Lami deceased in the Kemptville area and believe he caused the children’s deaths. Several investigative and forensic examinations are still outstanding and require time to complete.

Finlayson Crescent Hostage Situation

On the morning of July 2, at approximately 7 a.m. ET, the OPS received a 911 call about a woman being held hostage at knife point inside a home on Finlayson Crescent. Officers responded and established a secure perimeter around the residence.

A significant police presence remained in the area throughout the incident to ensure public safety and support efforts to resolve the situation peacefully. For more than 14 hours, officers and negotiators worked to peacefully resolve the situation. At 9 p.m. ET, the Tactical Unit made entry into the residence and rescued the woman, who was physically unharmed, and is receiving appropriate support. An officer shot the man, and he was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The investigation remains ongoing, and charges are pending. Additional information will be released as it becomes available. In accordance with standard procedure when a police firearm is discharged, authorities have notified the Special Investigations Unit to ensure it can fulfill its mandate.