Hamilton Police Charge Man with Attempted Murder in East End Stabbing
Hamilton Police have formally charged a 34-year-old man with attempted murder in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred earlier this year in the city's east end. The arrest follows a thorough investigation by the homicide unit, which led to the identification and capture of the suspect.
Details of the Stabbing Incident
On January 2, officers responded to a report of a stabbing at 553 Queenston Road, located at the Red Rose Motel. Upon arrival, they discovered an adult female who had sustained serious injuries. She was promptly transported to a hospital for medical treatment. The swift response by emergency services helped stabilize her condition, though the incident has raised concerns about public safety in the area.
Arrest and Seizure of Evidence
Following the investigation, a nationwide warrant was issued for Joel Benjamin, who was identified as the primary suspect. He was located and arrested without incident in the Greater Toronto Area on Monday. During the arrest, police seized suspected controlled substances, including what is believed to be fentanyl, along with approximately $30,000 worth of gold bars. In addition to the attempted murder charge, Benjamin faces charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
A 36-year-old man, who was with Benjamin at the time of his arrest, has also been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and proceeds of crime over $5,000. This development underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat violent crime and drug-related activities in the region.
Fraud Charges Laid in Markham Investigation
In a separate case, York Regional Police have laid multiple charges against three suspects involved in a fraud investigation in Markham. The investigation revealed that between January 9 and September 12, 2025, a suspect worked as a senior manager at the victim's business. After the suspect's termination, the victims discovered fraudulent invoices for services that were never rendered, totaling more than $360,000.
Charges and Suspects Identified
The invoices were allegedly paid to companies connected to two additional suspects. Jennifer Hossain, 36, of Toronto, has been charged with two counts each of fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and laundering the proceeds of crime. Investigators believe Hossain may be responsible for additional fraud-related incidents that have not yet been reported and are urging anyone who may have employed her to come forward.
Also charged are Foysol Ahmed, 42, of Toronto, with two counts each of fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000; and Forida Akhter, 64, of Toronto, who faces three counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact York Regional Police or Crime Stoppers.
Richmond Hill Robbery Suspect Sought
York Regional Police are seeking the public's assistance in identifying a suspect following an armed robbery in Richmond Hill. The incident occurred on Saturday around 10:40 p.m. in the area of Forestwood Street and Major Mackenzie Drive West. A masked male entered a store armed with a firearm and stole a quantity of cash before fleeing the scene. The victim was not physically injured.
Description of the Suspect
The suspect is described as a male with a dark complexion, standing between 6-foot-3 and 6-foot-5 tall, and aged between 28 and 30 years. He was last seen wearing a black ski mask, black gloves, a red jacket, and black shoes with white soles. He was also carrying a black firearm with silver trim. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward to help apprehend the individual.
Theft Investigation in Toronto
Toronto Police are requesting the public's help in locating a man and a woman wanted in connection with a theft investigation in the Kingston Road and Victoria Park Avenue area. The incident took place on February 21 around 2 p.m., when a victim left a wallet in a locker inside a locker-room. A suspect allegedly entered the locker-room, accessed the victim's locker, and stole the wallet, which contained a credit card.
Use of Stolen Credit Card
The stolen credit card was subsequently used to make purchases at a store. Cristina-Monalisa Honciu, 37, and Mihai-Valentin Caslariu, 48, are wanted for theft of a credit card, theft not exceeding $5,000, possession/use of a credit card obtained by offence, and fraud not exceeding $5,000. Honciu has a slim build and was last seen wearing a black coat, white hat, and a scarf. Caslariu has a medium build, is bald, and has a black and grey beard. He was wearing a black winter coat, beige winter tuque, grey shirt, white running shoes, glasses, and carrying a black bag.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Toronto Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously. These cases highlight the diverse range of criminal activities currently under investigation in the Greater Toronto Area, from violent assaults to financial fraud and theft.
