A woman is dead after an “unprovoked” stabbing in Pickering on Thursday and nearby residents are being asked to shelter in place as police search for a suspect, Durham Regional Police say.
Durham Police Chief Peter Moreira told reporters that the elderly woman was outside her home on Lynn Heights Drive, when she was approached by a man police believe was unknown to her at about 3 pm.
“After a brief interaction, the suspect stabbed the female in a sadistic and cowardly unprovoked attack that was captured on video,” Moreira said.
The woman was rushed to a Toronto area trauma centre, where she died of her injuries. The man fled the area on foot going east.
“This is an unthinkable tragedy that should not have happened,” Moreira said.
Moreira said police do not yet know of a motive.
At 5:40 p.m., Ontario Provincial Police sent out an emergency alert on behalf of Durham police, saying officers were investigating a homicide suspect at 2125 Lynn Heights Dr. and asking residents in the area of to monitor the media for updates.
Moreira said the alert is intended for residents in the area of Lynn Heights Drive and Fairport Road. Residents are being urged to stay in their homes until they receive further direction.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the city of Pickering said it has shut down all public facilities, including community centres and library branches, in response to the alert.
The city said all of its scheduled programs and classes are cancelled until further notice.
The suspect is described as a brown male, wearing a surgical mask and a long black skinny jacket and carrying a black bag, police said. He is believed to be on foot in the area and armed.
Moreira said there continues to be a heavy police presence in the area of Fairport Road and Lynn Heights Drive.
