Man in custody, victim in hospital following assault on Saturday

Police blockaded the area between Baldwin and Prospect Streets, to the west of Broadway on Saturday for an ongoing investigation that ended with a 41-year-old Tillsonburg resident being charged with aggravated assault and arson. Firefighters were also dispatched to Prospect Street during this time. (Aliyah Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Investigation is continuing into an incident on Saturday in the area of Prospect Street that resulted in one individual sustaining life-threatening injuries and another facing aggravated assault and arson charges.

At approximately 4:45 p.m. on July 11, Oxford OPP, along with fire and emergency services, responded to an assault call in the area of Prospect Street. In connection with the call, an individual was transported to hospital with serious injuries and remains in critical condition.

Oxford OPP issued an alert on Saturday at 5:37 p.m., and again at 8 p.m., asking the public to stay indoors, stay away from the area, and to avoid picking up hitchhikers while the investigation is ongoing. At 10:47, another release indicated “one individual is in police custody without incident.” The individual charged is a 41-year-old male from Tillsonburg, who remains in custody pending a bail hearing.

During the response, emergency services were called to a structure fire at 6 Prospect Street, which was a different residence.

Tillsonburg Deputy Fire Chief Fred Ten Eyck said the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office has been called in to investigate, and couldn’t provide further details.

“As the investigation is ongoing, we are unable to provide any comment regarding the origin, cause, or circumstances of the fire at this time,” he said.

There were unconfirmed reports on social media that the incident involved a stabbing, but police wouldn’t confirm the nature of the assault, as the incident is still under investigation.

Oxford OPP Constable Randi Crawford explained that the warning to shelter in place and not to pick up hitchhikers was issued before the suspect was apprehended.

“Anytime there is an active police investigation, and the suspect has not been apprehended, we issue a public warning out of an abundance of caution,” she said.

Police remained on scene Saturday night to interview witnesses and collect evidence. There was a police presence in the area Monday as Crawford said police were looking for anyone with video surveillance of the area, and further seeking witnesses.

She cautioned that people should stay away from active incidents as there were many onlookers in the area Saturday night. Crawford suggested people monitor the incident on social media from their homes.

“Residents are reminded that during active police incidents, they should remain indoors and avoid affected areas unless otherwise directed by emergency personnel,” she said.

Anyone with information regarding this incident, including video surveillance of the area, is asked to contact the Oxford OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or *OPP (*677) from a mobile device and reference incident number E260984687. Anonymous information can be provided through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).