A 48-year-old Fredericton man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following an assault on Fredericton’s northside.
On May 21, 2026, Fredericton Police Force members responded to an assault with a weapon along the northside trail between Douglas Avenue and Friel Street, quickly locating and taking one individual into custody.
The victim was transported to hospital with serious injuries where he remains in critical but stable condition. The victim and accused are known to each other. This was an isolated and targeted incident, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety
John Arthur Dempsey, 48, of Fredericton, has been charged with:
• Attempted murder (s. 239(1)(b))
Dempsey was further charged in connection with an unrelated incident that occurred on April 19, 2026:
• Assault (s. 266(a))
• Mischief (s. 430(4)(a)(1)(a))
He has been remanded into custody.
The attempted murder investigation remains ongoing. Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Fredericton Police Force at 506-460-2300 or to provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The Fredericton Police Force remains committed to keeping our community safe and thanks the public for its ongoing support and cooperation.
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Media contact:
Sonya Gilks, Public Information Officer, Fredericton Police Force; Fpf.media@fredericton.ca; 506-460-2777