Members of a west-end neighbourhood are in shock after learning their neighbour, 24-year-old Robert James Johnston, has been charged with attempted murder.

"I can't believe it," said area resident Sean Martin. "My wife and I moved into this community with the understanding it was a closed, quiet, family neighbourhood."

Police have been on scene at 11 Spearman Lane in Kanata since Wednesday morning, when paramedics brought a woman with serious head trauma to hospital. Johnston lives at the home and was arrested at the scene.

"We're all wondering what's going on," said Martin.

Johnston is charged with attempted murder, forcible confinement, aggravated assault and uttering death threats.

No information has been released about what happened at the home last week. The Ottawa Police Partner Assault Unit has been spearheading the investigation all week.

"When it comes to domestic-related matters, the reason why we don't reveal as much information as we normally do is so the victim is not re-victimized," said Ottawa police Const. Henri Lanctot.

The female victim is expected to recover from her injuries. She is still receiving care at an area hospital.

Robert Johnston made a brief court appearance by video in an Ottawa courtroom Monday afternoon. His next court appearance is set for Thursday.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's John Hua