A man was found unconscious with head injuries outside a local gay bar on Friday night, May 25; he was taken to the hospital, where he was listed in critical condition according to initial police reports May 26.
The victim is now in stable condition and the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, said Stephane Tracy, the Ottawa Police detective investigating the case.
Staff at Centretown Pub identified the victim as a high-profile drag queen.
Ottawa’s gay and lesbian community was left reeling over the weekend as rumours swirled about a gay bashing. Those rumours have partly abated, but police would not say if the violence was hate-related.
“I haven’t ruled anything out yet,” said Tracy.
Police confirm a fight broke out shortly after 2am Friday night and that the police were called to the scene.
Tracy now says that he does not believe that the head injuries were inflicted during the altercation but could have been caused afterwards.
Centretown Pub, located at 340 Somerset St., was cordoned off with police tape Saturday as officers appeared to be gathering blood-spatter evidence. Two officers wearing contamination suits combed the front patio area taking photos of the interlocking brick outside the bar.
Police said that they do not have a suspect in custody and no charges have been laid, but they have interviewed most of the people involved. If you were there, please call the police at 613.236.1222 x 5638.
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