Latest news with #CouchichingBeachPark
CTV News
a day ago
- CTV News
Expect an increased police presence in parks after latest attack
Cell phone video circulating on social media shows a man bleeding on the ground following a brutal assault in Couchiching Beach Park in Orillia, Ont., on Mon., May 26, 2025. Two weeks ago, a violent assault at Couchiching Beach Park in Orillia sparked questions about public safety. On Thursday, the region's Ontario Provincial Police board met to find some solutions to those concerns. A violent assault of a young man, now known to be Jordan Duffy, 23, by a group at Couchiching Beach Park set off the maelstrom of outrage in the media and social media. Duffy suffered serious injuries after he attempted to break up an earlier argument between several teenage girls. He was severely beaten and hit in the head with a glass container. The city recognized Duffy and another man, Chris Landra – who had stepped in to help Duffy – for their bravery on that day with an Orillia certificate of bravery. 'I was always raised like, if something unfair is happening, step in, right? I saw the three girls picking on the one girl, I knew the one girl, to me it was very unfair,' Duffy said. Orillia city councillors want to ensure it never happens again. 'I think we really have to work hard to make our community and our parks safe for our children and our grandchildren,' said Counc. Ralph Cipolla. Counc. Cipolla is the chairperson of the Couchiching OPP detachment board that had gathered to discuss how to make Orillia's public spaces safe. Police are looking to increase their foot, bike and cruiser patrols through parks in Orillia, Ramara, Oro-Medonte and Severn townships. 'The incidents are increasing in our parks because some of the youths don't have anywhere else to go,' Cipolla said. The board also discussed the possibility of implementing 24/7 video surveillance cameras as another measure should budgets allow. But increasing police visibility is a step Orillia has already taken. 'Certainly, we've increased the OPP foot patrols in the park and the downtown as a result, the county has also added resources,' said Mayor Don McIsaac. Couchiching Beach Park in Orillia Couchiching Beach Park in Orillia, Ont., on Wed., May 28, 2025. (CTV News/Rob Cooper) McIsaac says the city is looking into other measures - such as issuing trespassing orders against the individuals involved. Yet McIsaac says the court process must play out for several suspects who now facing criminal charges. 'It's regrettable, it's unfortunate, it should never happen,' McIsaac said of the attack. Cipolla said the board meeting was a step in the right direction. 'It's a start for us to be more careful, more involved and get the police more involved in our public spaces,' Cipolla said.
CTV News
28-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Police investigate violent daytime assault at Orillia park, teens arrested
A man was attacked by multiple individuals at Couchiching Beach Park in Orillia. A violent assault involving several individuals at Couchiching Beach Park in Orillia Monday afternoon has left a young man seriously injured and raised questions about safety in public spaces. The attack, captured on cell phone video and shared to social media, shows multiple people striking the victim. Police have confirmed he was also hit with what they are calling a glass container. 'The individual was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries,' said OPP Const. Derek Tilley. Police are still working to determine what led to the attack, but the victim's mother told CTV News her son was at the park with a friend and may have been trying to de-escalate an earlier altercation near the public washrooms. On Monday, a 16-year-old girl was arrested near the scene. Two male teens were arrested the following day. Charges laid so far include aggravated assault, two counts of assault causing bodily harm, and four counts of failing to comply with a sentence order. Police say one male teen remains outstanding, and investigators have confirmed the suspects are known to police. Orillia assault Cell phone video circulating on social media shows a man bleeding on the ground following a brutal assault in Couchiching Beach Park in Orillia, Ont., on Mon., May 26, 2025. (Supplied) The victim has since been released from hospital to recover from his multiple injuries at home. His mother told CTV News she's grateful to a bystander who she says stepped in to help her son until paramedics arrived. The brutal incident has shocked the community and spurred renewed concerns about public safety in city parks. 'It's totally disgusting what's happening. The parks are a place for young people to go and feel safe,' said City Councillor Ralph Cipolla, who is also the chair of the Couchiching OPP Detachment Board. Cipolla is pushing for a meeting with police and the mayor to explore safety upgrades at Couchiching Beach Park, including surveillance measures. 'There are no video cameras here or patrols from the police, and I think that's one of the criteria we'll have to look at,' he shared. The investigation into the assault remains ongoing. Police urge anyone with information to contact Orillia OPP. The identities of those accused are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
