Police seek witnesses after a vicious assault that sent an Ottawa man who uses a wheelchair to hospital.

“I would love people to come forward and bring justice,” said John Haines, 50.

Haines spent seven days in hospital with a head injury after being attacked on Wednesday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m. near Burnside and Stonehurst Avenues after his last shift volunteering at Bluesfest.

He tried to break-up a domestic assault between a man and a woman he did not know.  

"I noticed there was a couple having an argument and he had raised his fist to hit her,” said Haines, who then approached the couple.  “I said there is no reason to hit a girl and then he ended up coming at me.”

Haines said he was pushed to the ground and kicked in the head. He managed to get back up in his wheelchair and attempted to chase the man.  

The assult escalated further.

"Grabbed a large rock and threw it at me and hit me from behind my ear.”

Haines continues to suffer from headaches. Doctors told him it could take up to a year to fully recover.

Even after the assault, Haines said he has no regrets.

If you witnessed this incident, Police are asking you to call them at 613-236-1222, ext. 5412.

With a report from CTV’s Catherine Lathem.