Ottawa police consider the suspicious death of a disabled Ottawa man to be the city's fifth homicide of the year.

Police were called to a community housing complex in Ottawa's Sandy Hill neighbourhood early Tuesday morning when a man believed to be in his 70s was found dead at about 2 a.m.

The man's lifeless body was removed from his apartment building on Chapel Crescent late Tuesday morning.

Neighbours have identified the man as Larry Chartier, who was confined to a wheelchair. He lived in the community housing complex for a little more than one year.

"He was a good guy," said Will, a neighbour who refused to give his last name. However, he added the victim was also known to police.

"Police had been here so many times; ambulances had been here so many times – all because of him."

Chartier was also going through a divorce, according to neighbours. His wife and children apparently live in Montreal.

The homicide has sparked a wave of concern for those living in the area. Some say they're worried for their safety.

"Pretty scary. There's a lot of things happening around here and it's getting really scary," said Linda Henderson.

Police are now canvassing the neighbourhood to gather information for their investigation.

A spokesperson for Ottawa Community Housing offered no comment on the case.

Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to contact Ottawa police or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-TIPS.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Catherine Lathem