Male facing 21 charges following stabbing in Kingston’s north end

Kingston Police say a male accused of attempted murder is now facing a total of 21 charges stemming from a recent stabbing in Kingston’s north end as well as an altercation with officers during his subsequent arrest.

The arrest, which took place in the parking lot of the Kingslake Plaza on Division St on Sept. 14. 2021, involved what Kingston Police described as a “high-risk take-down” of the subject in his vehicle.

During the course of the arrest, police say, the accused attempted to disarm an officer, causing the discharge of the officer’s firearm.

Fortunately, no one was struck or injured as a result of the discharged firearm.

“A search incident to the arrest of the accused revealed a loaded 9mm handgun concealed down the front of his pants. A can of bear mace was also located and seized adjacent to where the accused was sitting,” said Kingston Police.

Justin Robert Hunter, a 39-year-old local man, has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, robbery from a person with violence, taking a weapon of a peace officer in execution of duty, two counts of possession of a weapon for committing an offence, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm without holding a licence and registration certificate, possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm knowingly not holding a licence and registration certificate, possession of a loaded regulated firearm, handling a firearm carelessly, six counts of possession of a firearm or prohibited weapon while prohibited, failing to comply with an undertaking, and three counts of breach of probation.

Hunter was previously arrested in 2015 for an attempted murder after reversing a pick-up truck into a 22-year-old female at the intersection of Queen and Sydenham Streets, then fleeing the scene.

In a release, Kingston Police said they wish to thank the public for the numerous leads that were submitted and received following the initial stabbing incident.