The Ottawa Police Service is investigating the death of a man in Barrhaven on Friday as a homicide.
Police identified the victim Saturday morning as 58-year-old Wilson Sabarros of Ottawa.
Officers were called to Pondhollow Way around 5:16 p.m. Friday, police said in a media release later that night, and found Sabarros dead.
“It’s an active and ongoing investigation. Our homicide unit is working hard at gathering evidence, analyzing leads and speaking to witnesses,” Sgt. Seth Curtis said on Saturday.
Police had not announced any arrests as of late Saturday afternoon, but said they do not believe there is an ongoing risk to public safety.
“We are treating it as an isolated incident. We feel that there is no threat to the public, but we do ask that the public remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity,” Curtis said.
‘Disturbing and disconcerting’
Darine Alrajab, who lives just doors away from the scene, said that when an OPS detective knocked on her door and told her family what had happened, she couldn’t believe the news.
“It was kind of surreal. You would never expect this kind of thing to happen just a few houses down,” she said.
“I had the impression that we were in a very safe neighbourhood, [a] very safe part of town, and this happens. And it kind of just changes your perspective on a lot.”
Lori and Steve McFarlane lived across the street from Sabarros, and said he’d been living on the block for about seven years.
“It’s not supposed to happen in this neighbourhood, but there you go. It can happen anywhere, right?” Steve McFarlane said. “It is disturbing and disconcerting, for sure.”
1st homicide of the year
Friday night’s homicide marks the first of 2025 in the nation’s capital.
“Last year was a record number for Ottawa. Obviously we’re hoping things change” Curtis said.
“I know the Ottawa police are actively hiring and there’s more officers on the road and hopefully that is going to help in the future.”
Barrhaven West Coun. David Hill said he’d ensure local residents who need support will be directed to the appropriate resources over the coming days.