Ontario Police Charge Man in 2 Separate, Random Stabbings That Sent Victims to Hospital

Ontario Police Charge Man in 2 Separate, Random Stabbings That Sent Victims to Hospital
Police tape is shown in a file photo. (Graeme Roy/The Canadian Press)
Marnie Cathcart
6/15/2023
Updated:
6/15/2023

One male suspect has been charged in relation to two separate, unprovoked random stabbings that took place in London, Ontario.

Both attacks sent victims to the hospital with serious injuries. Police have charged 28-year-old London resident, James Tracey, with two counts of aggravated assault.

London Police said in a June 13 news release that the first attack occurred at approximately 7:40 p.m. on June 9, when a man was walking with a family member along a trail near Baseline Road West and Emery Street West.

According to police, the victim was approached from behind by a male unknown to the victim, and was stabbed multiple times before the suspect fled on foot. Police searched the area but could not find the suspect.

“The victim transported himself to the hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, and police were notified of the incident later that evening,” said police.

A second attack took place at about 3:20 p.m. local time on June 11. This time, a man was walking his dog near Baseline Road West and Beachwood Avenue, when he was approached by a male who then stabbed the victim multiple times.

The victim called 9-1-1, and the suspect fled on foot. The police were provided with a description of the suspect.

“The area was searched, and the suspect was located and arrested in the 400-block of Beachwood Avenue without incident. A weapon was seized,” according to police.

Through the course of the police investigation, officers determined that the same male is allegedly responsible for the two separate incidents. The victims did not know the accused, who remains in custody and was expected to make a first court appearance on June 13.

Constable Matthew Dawson, spokesman for London Police Service, told The Epoch Times there is no new information available.

“The investigation is now before the courts there is nothing new to provide at this point,” said Dawson.

Police ask anyone with information about the stabbings to contact them at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.

The latest attacks follow a stabbing on June 8 that sent a 30-year-old Hanover, Ontario, man to hospital with what police said could be life-altering injuries. In this case, the victim knew the suspect, an 18-year-old male, and police believe there was an argument that led to the victim being stabbed.

According to CTV News, the male victim sustained several stab wounds and was eventually airlifted to a London trauma centre for surgery. The suspect faces charges of aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, and weapons dangerous to public peace.

Police said they recovered a knife used in the attack.