Montreal police are investigating after a father allegedly tried to kill his daughter with a hammer while she slept, then barricaded himself inside his home for nearly 10 hours Tuesday in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, in Montreal’s West Island.
Medhat Darwish, 56, was charged Wednesday with attempted murder, aggravated assault against his daughter, and assault on a peace officer.
Police say the incident occurred around 6:40 a.m. as the 27-year-old victim was asleep in her bed. Investigators allege her father climbed on top of her and struck her with a hammer.
The victim reportedly suffered at least one blow to the head, resulting in a skull fracture. She managed to escape and was taken to hospital in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
Following the attack, the suspect barricaded himself inside his residence on Vallée Street. He remained inside for several hours, at times threatening to set the home on fire, prompting police to evacuate nearby residences.
Negotiators were eventually able to convince him to surrender peacefully.
Police say the suspect sustained minor injuries that he allegedly inflicted on himself during the standoff.
Authorities believe the attack may have stemmed from a dispute between family members.
The investigation remains ongoing.
