Ottawa police detectives are investigating after a Jewish woman was stabbed by a stranger Wednesday afternoon at a west-end grocery store known for the largest kosher selection in town.

The woman, in her 70s, was stabbed in the torso as she shopped at Loblaws at College Square on Baseline Road. The West Criminal Investigations Unit is leading the case, and confirmed Thursday that the police hate-crimes squad has been enlisted to help.

Investigators have confirmed that the suspect and the victim were not known to one another prior to the incident, said police on Thursday.

Joseph (Joe) Rooke, 71, of Cornwall, has been charged with aggravated assault and possession of a dangerous weapon. He is still under investigation and could face more charges in the case.

Police say the woman entered

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