Ottawa police lay charges after Halton police officers attacked in downtown Ottawa
Ottawa police have arrested and charged a man in connection with an attack in the ByWard Market that injured two Halton Regional Police officers.
Police were called to the area of York Street near William Street at around 1:45 am. Sunday for reports of an assault. Two men were found with serious injuries and transported to hospital.
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
- Sign up now for our nightly CTV News Ottawa newsletter
Ottawa paramedics said the men's injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Police said in a news release Monday that the victims were Halton Regional police officers but were not wearing their uniforms or any other indicators of their profession at the time of the incident.
Ottawa police chief Eric Stubbs told reporters Monday that there is no evidence to indicate that the assailants knew the two men were police officers.
Police officers from across Canada were in Ottawa this weekend for the National Peace and Police Officers' Memorial on Parliament Hill on Sunday.
Mikkhul Milord, 25, of Ottawa, is facing charges including two counts of aggravated assault.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and other charges could be laid. Stubbs said "four or five" people were involved in the attack. So far, only one person has been arrested and charged.
Halton Police Chief Steve Tanner said in a statement Tuesday that the incident was, "by all indications, a violent, unprovoked and cowardly attack,"
"At this time, and on behalf of our entire police service, I wish to convey my sincere thanks for the support and investigative work being undertaken by the Ottawa Police Service. I understand that one individual has been arrested and charges laid, and that the investigation is ongoing. I am optimistic and expect that all those responsible will be identified and brought before the criminal justice system in due course," Tanner said.
The incident caught the attention of federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
Responding to a Toronto Sun article about the attack, Poilievre said the incident was "sick and horrifying."
"Even police aren't safe from random acts of violence on our streets," he said. "Thinking of these officers and wishing them a quick recovery."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

All 41 workers rescued from collapsed tunnel in India after 17-day ordeal
Rescuers in northern India have successfully removed all 41 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel under the Himalayas, the climax of a 17-day rescue operation to drill through rock and debris.
Andre Dawson wants the Expos baseball cap taken off his Hall of Fame plaque
Andre Dawson wants to be immortalized in the Baseball Hall of Fame as a Chicago Cub – not a Montreal Expo.
Alberta town to put proposed bylaw banning symbols such as Pride crosswalks, flags to plebiscite
A group in Westlock, Alta., is trying to ban crosswalks painted in rainbow colours and other symbols.
Full parole granted to SUV passenger convicted in Calgary police officer's death
A man convicted of manslaughter for his role in the death of a Calgary police officer almost three years ago has been granted full parole.
Chicago Blackhawks to terminate Corey Perry's contract after finding 'unacceptable' conduct
The Chicago Blackhawks said Corey Perry engaged in unacceptable conduct and took a step Tuesday toward terminating his contract, the latest twist involving the veteran winger who was mysteriously scratched and sent home last week without explanation.
With deadline looming, diplomats seek to extend Gaza truce; more hostages, prisoners are freed
Hamas and Israel released more hostages and prisoners under terms of a fragile cease-fire that held for a fifth day Tuesday as international mediators in Qatar worked to extend the truce and the United States urged Israel to better protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza if it follows through on its promise to resume the war.
Poilievre calling on 'unelected' Senate to 'immediately' pass farm fuels carbon tax bill
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is pushing for MPs to call on senators to 'immediately' pass a bill that would exempt certain farm fuels from the carbon price.
French police arrest yoga guru accused of exploiting female followers
French authorities arrested the leader of a multinational tantric yoga organization Tuesday on suspicion of indoctrinating female followers for sexual exploitation.
Short-term rental tax changes left out of Freeland's bill to implement fiscal update measures, here's why
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will be tabling an omnibus bill to pass measures she promised in last week's fall economic statement. Missing from the package are the government's promised plans to crack down on short-term rentals, while the Liberal promise to double the carbon tax rural rebate top-up, is included.