Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) now say an alleged human attack, not a wild animal, left an eight year old girl fighting for her life in rural eastern Ontario.The child disappeared from her backyard near Quadeville, about 170 kilometres west of Ottawa, late on June 24. Searchers found her shortly after midnight, badly hurt. At first, investigators warned parents to keep children indoors, saying claw or bite marks pointed to a possible animal attack.Tests have since ruled out that theory.“While early evidence suggested a possible animal attack, investigators did not rule out human involvement,” said the OPP.“While the incident is still under investigation, recent testing of samples taken from the victim’s wounds has now revealed no traces of animal DNA.”.A 17 year old boy was arrested on Tuesday and charged with attempted murder and sexual assault with a weapon against a person under 16. He cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. OPP say he remains in custody pending his next court appearance.The girl is still in the hospital. Police have not released her condition beyond saying the injuries are life threatening.Residents shaken by the case will get a chance to question officers at a town hall meeting this Saturday. OPP says details on the time and location will be released once a venue is confirmed.The investigation continues, and detectives ask anyone with information or security camera footage from June 24 to contact the Killaloe OPP detachment.
