16-year-old hit by an SUV and then attacked with a sword in Cobalt assault, police reveal

The Ontario Provinvial Police (OPP) have released more details on an incident on Nov 3 in Cobalt, south of Temiskaming Shores where a 16-year old female was attacked with a vehicle and then with a weapon, and is in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police say On Nov. 3, 2024, at approximately 6:00 p.m., theyresponded to a collision involving a motor vehicle and a pedestrian at the intersection of Helen Street and Prospect Avenue in Cobalt.

The investigation revealed that an 18-year-old male driving a sport utility vehicle struck a 16-year-old female while she was walking along Helen Street. The police say themale then exited the vehicle and attacked the victim with a sword. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital, and later airlifted by Ornge to an Ottawa hospital, where she remains in stable condition.

The OPP credit the quick response from local residents and witnesses to the incident stopped further attack on the victim.

Investigators believe this is an isolated incident and there are no concerns for public safety.

As a result of the investigation, an 18-year-old male from Haileybury was charged with the followingoffences:

• Attempt to commit murder
• Aggravated assault
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
• Breach of conditional sentence order

The accused is in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Haileybury on Nov.12.

The incident is being treated as an intimate partner violence case.

On Sunday, the community of Cobalt held a candlelight vigil for the victim, Kaylie Smith.

The longtime Member of Parliament, Charlie Angus, is from Cobalt, and applauded his community for the turnout.

"Horrific violence has taken place, but now is the time for solidarity, community and healing. We light candles to tell darkness that it has no dominion over us," wrote theTimmins-James Bay MPin a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.