Police suspect animal attack after girl seriously injured in Quadeville, Ont.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) issued a warning to parents in the Quadeville, Ont., area following a disturbing incident involving a young girl who was found with severe injuries believed to be caused by an animal. The incident took place in the small village of Quadeville, located approximately 60 kilometres southwest of Renfrew.
Emergency services were called to the scene around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday after an eight-year-old girl, who had been missing for several hours, was discovered in the woods with life-threatening injuries. The nature of her injuries has not been disclosed to the public, but OPP released a statement expressing their suspicion that it was an animal attack. Further testing and analysis are required to confirm this.
In response to the incident, OPP advised parents in the Quadeville area to keep their small children indoors or closely supervised as a precaution. The investigation is being conducted by OPP officers from the Upper Ottawa Valley detachment in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources, under the direction of the OPP criminal investigation branch. Additional support is being provided by OPP forensic identification services and the OPP emergency response team.
Joseph Fiorentino, the pastor of Quadeville Pentecostal Church, described the impact of the incident on the tight-knit community of around 300 residents. The community is understandably fearful for their children’s safety due to the uncertainty surrounding the incident. Despite the extensive search efforts involving 50 community members, there are still no clear answers regarding what happened to the girl or the cause of her injuries.
The girl was initially taken to St. Francis Memorial Hospital in Barry’s Bay before being airlifted to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa. The Ornge ambulance service confirmed that they transported a pediatric patient with critical injuries from an animal attack. Fortunately, the girl is currently in stable condition in the intensive care unit, with doctors noting that it is a miracle she survived.
The Quadeville community remains in shock and uncertainty as they await further updates on the investigation. The area where the incident occurred has been cordoned off by OPP officers, leaving residents speculating about the events that transpired. The well-being of the young girl and the safety of the community are top priorities as authorities work to uncover the truth behind this tragic incident.
