OPP charge second man with assault in July 24 Carleton Place fight

A Carleton Place barber who was seriously injured in a downtown altercation last month is now facing an assault charge after Ontario Provincial Police say they reviewed new evidence in the case.

Lanark County OPP said on Tuesday, Aug. 4 that an ongoing investigation into the July 24 incident has led to an additional arrest.

Police say officers responded to reports of a fight involving two men on Bridge Street near College Street shortly before 1 a.m. One person was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Following the initial investigation, David Murray, 48, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and failing to comply with probation. He remains in custody. Charges have not been proven in court.

The incident attracted significant community attention after a GoFundMe campaign for Blundell, owner of Towne Barber, said he suffered multiple serious injuries and underwent emergency surgery. The campaign had raised more than $26,000 by Aug. 4.

“Officers continued the investigation after receiving additional information regarding the events leading up to the altercation, including the review of video footage,” police say in the Aug. 4 release.

As a result, Kyle Blundell, 39, of Carleton Place, has now been charged with assault. This charge has not been proven in court.

Blundell is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Carleton Place on Sept. 14, 2026.

Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact the Lanark County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.