Police expect to lay charges after skier assaulted on a recreational trail in Constance Bay Jan. 24
Posted Feb 5, 2010 By Theresa Fritz
Email
Print
Tweet ThisEMC News - Ottawa Police expect to lay charges in connection with an alleged assault of a cross-country skier in Constance Bay recently.
"We don't have anyone charged yet but we expect a charge to be laid," Const. Hubert van Wettum told the EMC as of press deadline Monday.
On the afternoon of Jan. 24, two skiers set out for an afternoon of winter recreation around 1:15 p.m. on a City of Ottawa recreation trail in the Torbolton Forest. According to the Ottawa Police Service, the skiers were on the trail and approached from behind by two snowmobilers, believed to be between the ages of 16 and 20. Both snow machine operators were wearing black helmets and black snowmobile suits.
One driver, on a yellow Ski Doo brand of snowmobile that had stickers on the hood of the engine, allegedly stood up on his machine and yelled obscenities at the skiers. When asked by one man what this was all about, he supposedly yelled again before allegedly grabbing one skier's pole. The two snowmobilers then spend off.
According to investigating officer, Const. Mark Lystiuk, this incident was witnessed by several individuals on the trail.
"It has always been my understanding that the recreational trails can be used by snowmobilers and skiers. Nobody has ever had a problem," the officer told the EMC, adding that the West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association does maintain this trail.
A few minutes after the first confrontation, when the skiers had moved on, the snowmobilers returned to the area.
"These guys were actively looking for them (skiers)," surmised Lystiuk.
Instead of driving past the skiers, the yellow snowmobile allegedly drove straight at one of the skiers, who jumped off the trail and into the snow with his skis pinned under him.
Police say the operator of that snowmobile then jumped off his machine and allegedly ran towards the male victim, punching the skier in the face with a closed fist.
The victim tried to defend himself with a ski pole, but it was broken by the snowmobiler. The snowmobiler in question allegedly made a stabbing motion toward the victim with the broken pole.
The second snowmobiler, while not involved directly in the alleged assault, did not intercede during the incident. The two snowmobilers then drove off from the area and as they did, the male victim shouted that he was going to call police.
Lystiuk said the victim said the yellow snowmobile had no licence plates or numbers of any kind on it. The second snowmobile is described as black snow machine, make unknown.
The victim and his skiing companion returned to his home in the village and police were called.
This incident is shocking to officers like Lystiuk, who is familiar with the trails and the area.
"I've been in West Carleton for over six years and I've never seen anything like this occur," said the officer, who also does snowmobile police patrol on trails. "I strongly believe this was an isolated incident. I truly believe the trails are safe."
Police, as well as the victim in the case, wanted the incident made public in the hope someone would recognize the suspect.
"I have confidence the community will recognize the sled," Lystiuk noted.
Anyone with information in this case is asked to contact police immediately. Lystiuck can be reached at 613-236-1222 ext. 8653 or the public can contact West Carleton Community Service Officer Const. Herbert Van Wettem at 613-236-1222 ext. 2906.
VICTIM GRATEFUL FOR SUPPORT
The incident has received wide media coverage and as such, public outrage.
By his own admission, the male victim was shaken up and sustained some bruising. However, he was not prepared to let the incident go.
"I am not prepared to let this slide," the 53-year-old Constance Bay resident told the EMC.
Since the incident, the victim said he has received phone calls from members of the public who have heard about what happened and believe they know who is responsible.
"There are people out there who don't approve of this kind of action and I am grateful for their support," he said. "I want to thank people for their support."
The victim said he has no issue with snowmobilers in general and in fact, said he sees passing near where he lives all the time.
"Ninety-nine per cent of them are fine but...this kind of thing won't be tolerated," he concluded. "I am very appreciative of the support of those who have rallied around me."
