A bizarre early-morning confrontation in downtown Cobourg has turned into a police investigation after a man was reportedly assaulted with a blunt object — and at least 10 people were in the area when officers arrived.
Cobourg Police were called to McGill Street, north of King Street, at approximately 2:30 a.m. of Sunday, September 6, following a reported assault.
Police say a male party was assaulted near the area that was later taped off. According to police, the man was struck with a blunt object but was well enough to walk to the Cobourg Police station.
He was subsequently transported to Northumberland Hills Hospital, where he received medical attention. The injury was not life threatening and the person will be released from hospital.
The circumstances leading up to the assault remain unclear.
A witness who spoke with Today’s Northumberland said the man was believed to have been riding a bicycle and travelled up McGill Street before approaching a woman experiencing homelessness.
According to the witness, the cyclist allegedly asked the woman if she had any drugs.
The witness said the person was wearing a bright light on their head and that a brief confrontation followed.
The witness reported that the cyclist was then struck during the altercation.
Police have not confirmed the allegation that drugs were the reason for the confrontation.
What happened in the moments before the assault — and what led to someone allegedly using a blunt object — remains under investigation.
The incident resulted in a significant police presence, with the area around McGill Street taped off as a crime scene.
The scene remained blocked off for several hours Sunday morning before police cleared the area shortly before 7 a.m.
The investigation also brought in additional resources, including a Scene of Crime Officer from the Durham Regional Police Service, who attended to photograph and document the scene.
Cobourg Police say their Criminal Investigation Bureau is investigating.
Police also say at least 10 homeless people were present in the McGill Street area when officers arrived.
Investigators are now looking for independent witnesses who may have seen what happened.
That could be particularly important as police attempt to determine exactly how the confrontation began, who was involved and what happened immediately before the man was assaulted.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist the investigation is being asked to contact the Cobourg Police Service.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
