4 charged in ‘weird’ attack on 21-year-old
Police believe gangs involved after man found naked, covered in leaves
Four men have been charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault in what police are calling a gang-related attack at Andrew Haydon Park over the weekend.
On Wednesday, police said the names of the accused were not being released after a publication ban on the identities of two accused was granted in court. Two other accused, whose identities the Crown will also ask to have protected under a publication ban, did not appear in court as scheduled.
The men are being charged after a 21-year-old man on Sunday was found naked, severely beaten and covered in leaves at the park near Carling Avenue and Holly Acres Road. It’s not known whether the attack happened at the park or if the man was moved there.
The man appeared to be suffering from knife wounds to his forehead, leg and groin area in a bizarre attack that didn’t immediately make sense to investigators.
“Certainly there was stuff done with a knife, but it doesn’t look like a stabbing,” said Staff Sgt. Donna McNeil-Charbot at the time police were notified by a passerby that the injured man was in the park. “It’s weird.” Police say they are continuing to investigate the attack and that additional charges could be laid, which is why they have asked for the rare move of a publication ban on the accused’s names. The guns-and-gangs unit is assisting.
All four of the accused are expected to appear in court by video Monday.