Man arrested after New Year's Eve party murder

A man has been arrested after a Gormanville Rd. New Year's Eve party turned tragic.

Shortly after 2:30 a.m. this morning North Bay Police and District of Nipissing Paramedic Services responded to 1100 block of Jane Street regarding a person in need of medical assistance.

The adult victim was located on the side of Jane Street and was rushed by ambulance to the North Bay Regional Health Centre where he was pronounced dead.

Police identified and have taken into custody one adult male, believed to be from Ottawa, who remains in custody.

See: Man dead after New Year's Eve stabbing

According to a source, the 29-year-old victim died at the hospital in the emergency department and a number of women were also assaulted and required hospital treatment for significant injuries.

A source says the victim died after trying to stop the attacker from beating up a woman at the party after several other women had tried to intervene.

There is an increased police presence in the area of Gormanville Road and the west end of Jane Street as police continue what has been deemed a homicide investigation.

A witness told BayToday police are going from house to house asking residents for any surveillance video, and are searching in snowbanks and under cars looking for evidence. A canine unit was also deployed.

There is no concern for public safety say police.

"This investigation is in its early stages," says police spokesman John Schultz. "The North Bay Police Criminal Investigation Section is leading the investigation."

Police anticipate more information will be made available tomorrow morning at 11.

While BayToday knows the name of the victim, and is being widely reported on social media, out of respect for the family, we are waiting until it is released by police.

"Anyone with information that may assist police with this investigation is asked to call the North Bay Police Service at 705-497-5555," added Schultz.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, contact Near North Crime Stoppers, by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a tip online at nearnorthcrimestoppers.com.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected. An earlier version had said the party was on Janes St. instead of Gormanville.