Swarmings investigated

Ottawa police are investigating at least two swarming and robbery incidents on the old Prince of Wales railway bridge spanning the Ottawa River from the Mechanicsville area to Gatineau.

Police said the first incident occurred Aug. 21 at about 11:55 p.m. when three teenagers were walking across the bridge towards Ottawa.

They were confronted by a gang of as many as five youths who rushed at them from the Gatineau side of the bridge and demanded any valuable items.

One of the victims threw his backpack at the attackers and the victims fled towards Ottawa.

While running, one of the victims jumped over the guard rail, falling onto a pathway below and injuring his lower leg.

The second incident occurred on Sunday at about 12:30 a.m. when a victim was on a bike path that winds down under the Prince of Wales bridge when he was confronted by a group of teens.

One of the attackers produced what appeared to be a handgun. The victim handed over whatever valuable items he had in his possession.

On both occasions the suspects fled to back to the Gatineau side of the river after the robbery.

Descriptions of the suspects are not available as both robberies took place at night.

Police are asking anyone who may information about the incidents to call Crime Stoppers at 613-222-8477.