Woman dead after ‘unprovoked’ stabbing in Pickering, police warn nearby residents to shelter in place
A tragic incident unfolded in Pickering on Thursday, resulting in the death of a woman who was the victim of an unprovoked stabbing. Durham Regional Police are currently on the lookout for the suspect, urging nearby residents to shelter in place until further notice.
According to Durham Police Chief Peter Moreira, the elderly woman was targeted outside her home on Lynn Heights Drive by a man who was believed to be unknown to her. The brutal attack, which was captured on video, took place around 3 pm. Despite being rushed to a trauma center in Toronto, the woman succumbed to her injuries.
Moreira expressed shock and dismay at the senseless act, emphasizing that it was an “unthinkable tragedy.” As of now, the police are still investigating the motive behind the attack.
In response to the situation, an emergency alert was issued by the Ontario Provincial Police on behalf of Durham police, warning residents in the vicinity of Lynn Heights Drive and Fairport Road to stay indoors and follow updates from the media. The city of Pickering took swift action by closing down all public facilities, including community centers and library branches, and canceling all scheduled programs and classes.
The suspect, described as a brown male wearing a surgical mask and a long black skinny jacket, is believed to be armed and on foot in the area. Moreira assured the public that there is a heightened police presence in the vicinity of Fairport Road and Lynn Heights Drive to ensure the safety of residents.
As the investigation unfolds, residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow any instructions provided by law enforcement. The community is coming together to support each other during this challenging time, with hopes for a swift resolution to bring justice to the victim and closure to the community.
