Arrest made in downtown Kitchener stabbing

One woman has been hurt, and another is in police custody, after a stabbing in downtown Kitchener.

Waterloo regional police first warned the public about increased activity in the Water Street North and Duke Street West area around 2 p.m. Monday.

In an update Tuesday, they said a 30-year-old woman was taken to an out-of-region hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

Another 30-year-old woman was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of suspected fentanyl.

Police said the two knew eachother.

Neighbour says crime increasing

Kalvin Koebel, who owns an apartment building across the street from where the stabbing took place, said he’s noticed an increase in crime in the area recently.

He said over the past month, he’s filed about 23 police reports.

“Our superintendent [has been] threatened at knife point, we’ve had some tenants that have been aggressively spoken towards and we have tenants in the building who are fearful,” Koebel said.

“This used to be quite a nice area down here. Obviously we’re right next to city hall, so you’d think it would be a little bit better than this.”

Koebel said he’s provided police with footage when it’s been requested, but he said increased security in the area could be beneficial.

“It’d be nice to see some security on-site, as well as some video surveillance on the property,” he said.

“I think it would be helpful and it would also help the community and the people that live in this area.”

Police said their investigation into the stabbing is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call 519-570-9777, ext. 6370.