Gatineau senior stabbed while gardening

A 41-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after a stabbing attack on a senior gardening outside a retirement home in Gatineau, Que.

Gatineau police said they were called to Campus 3, a community organization and retirement residence, near boulevard Maloney E. in Lac-Beauchamp around 10:30 a.m. Monday.

An 81-year-old man was lying seriously injured on the ground outside when officers arrived, police said. He was hospitalized in serious condition and police said he remained there Tuesday.

The accused was arrested nearby and also faces aggravated assault and assault with a weapon charges. Police said they don't think the two knew each other.

The younger man police said is from Shawinigan, Que., is in custody and must appear in court again on May 7. A judge will then determine whether or not he can be released from custody.

Victim an 'exceptional volunteer'

The senior and another volunteer "were raking the ground, collecting leaves, preparing the ground for this summer's community garden" at the time, according to Campus 3 general manager Lémy Nguyen.

Nguyen said the 81-year-old is an "exceptional volunteer" and heavily involved with the residence where he lived for years.

"I always call him 'my eyes and ears' when I'm away," said Nguyen. "He takes care of the safety of the other elders here. He is there to help all the other vulnerable seniors."

Lémy Nguyen, the general director of Campus 3. (Camille Kasisi-Monet/Radio-Canada)

Nguyen said the Outaouais health authority set up a crisis team to help tenants and employees.

"Employees are stunned. We have a very close relationship with the tenants," she said.

The scene is about seven kilometres northeast of the city core.