A Sarnia police officer was rushed to hospital after a stabbing downtown Tuesday night.
At about 10:30 p.m., Sarnia police were called about a man in distress at the Seaway Building on Front Street.
Out of concern for the individual involved, officers made entry into an apartment unit in an attempt to locate them.
During a search of the unit, police allege the occupant emerged from a concealed location armed with an edged weapon and attacked the responding officers.
One officer suffered multiple serious stab wounds to the head, neck and arms.
The 13-year veteran officer was taken to Bluewater Health before being transferred to London Health Sciences Centre for treatment.
In a statement Wednesday, Sarnia's Police Chief Derek Davis said the injured officer is expected to recover.
“Above all things we are deeply grateful that our officer is expected to recover, and will soon return home to his young family, his friends, and our Sarnia police team," said Davis. "Incidents like this impact every member of our organization. This unprovoked attack demonstrates the real dangers faced by officers. There is no such thing as a 'routine' call."
Davis offered his thanks to emergency responders on behalf of the Sarnia Police Service.
"I also wish to thank the responding paramedics from Lambton County EMS, and the health care teams at both Bluewater Health and London Health Sciences. It is difficult to fully express our appreciation for their swift and professional care provided to our injured member at every step," he said.
Police said Ryan Whiteway, 36, of Sarnia is charged with attempted murder and was being held for a bail hearing.
The Criminal Investigations Branch continues to investigate and seek additional information regarding the incident.