Attempted murder charges filed after Mother’s Day stabbing in Oshawa

A man remains in custody after a Mother’s Day stabbing in Oshawa that police are calling a “domestic-related assault.”

Durham Police received reports of an armed man near Cedar Street and Wentworth Street West around noon on May 12. The area is a busy commercial zone in the south end home to several apartment buildings.

Investigators allege the man attacked the woman in their home and stabbed her repeatedly. The woman managed to get away and go to a neighbour’s home. She was seriously injured and required treatment at a Toronto trauma centre.

Officers arrested a suspect on scene without incident, a 42-year-old Oshawa man. He’s charged with attempted murder, forcible confinement, uttering threats and possession of a dangerous weapon. He remains in custody. Police withheld his name to protect the victim’s identity.

This is the fourth major domestic violence attack in the Region in the last two months.

On April 2, Jennifer Polak, 45, was killed in Ajax. She left behind two young sons. Kyle Severin, 35, who police identified as Polack’s boyfriend, is charged with second-degree murder.

On April 10, a 30-year-old man from Oshawa was charged with assaulting his girlfriend. The man was out on parole on manslaughter charges when he hid in her car and attacked her when she entered it.

Finally, on May 5, a 54-year-old man allegedly attacked his wife and adult daughter in their Oshawa home, stabbing both. He has also been charged with attempted murder.

The Ontario government is set to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic across the province following several such instances. Durham communities, Hamilton, Brampton and Mississauga have already declared one.

“Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and psychological abuse. It knows no boundaries and can impact people of all ages, genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds,” police wrote.

They continued, “This incident serves as a crucial reminder that we must come together as a community to support those affected by domestic violence and work towards creating safer environments for everyone.”

Durham Region has a host of supports for victims of intimate partner violence including;

• Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 1-866-863-0511
• Bethesda House at 1-800-338-3397
• The Denise House at 1-800-263-3275
• Herizon House at 1-866-437-0466
• Muslim Welfare Home at 1-866-666-1115
• Y’s Wish Shelter at 1-888-576-2997

Victim Services of Durham Region also provides a great deal of support 24/7. This organization works closely with police in numerous cases, primarily abuse and human trafficking.

Anyone with information can call police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2765 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).