Ottawa Police are investigating reports of two swarming incidents on the old Prince of Wales Bridge.
Police do not have any suspects, but say they have reason to believe the incidents might be related.
According to Staff Sgt. Michael Harrbosch with the Ottawa Police Robbery Unit, the first swarming happened on the evening of August 21st. He says three people were walking on the bridge when they were approached by about six people from the Gatineau side of the bridge. The suspects demanded personal belongings and money before running away towards Gatineau.
Then, on August 23rd, a lone male had just walked across the bridge from Gatineau to Ottawa when he was robbed. According to police, the man was surrounded by a group of four or five people. The group demanded money, and then fled towards Gatineau.
Police say they haven't seen any swarmings at this location in recent years.
“It’s not something that we’ve seen before so to encourage people first, not to go on the bridge because you’re not supposed to be here, but on the pathway underneath just to be a little extra vigilant if you’re going to be in the this area at that time of night,” said Sgt. Harrbosch
The bridge is not open to the public but a hole in the fence provides access.
Harrbosch says he will be contacting the city to discuss re-sealing the fence, as well as the idea of bigger no trespassing signs and lighting around the area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
