Hamilton Police have issued a public appeal for help in locating a Toronto man wanted on an attempted murder charge following a violent stabbing earlier this month. The incident is one of several serious violent crimes under investigation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Violent Stabbing at East-End Motel
According to authorities, the investigation stems from an attack on January 2, 2026. Police were called to the Red Rose Motel on Queenston Rd. after reports that an adult woman had been seriously injured.
Investigators allege the victim was pulled from a vehicle before being stabbed by a man known to her. The woman was transported to hospital with serious injuries but is reported to be recovering.
Police have identified the wanted individual as Joel Benjamin, 34, of Toronto. He is described as a person known to the victim. Detectives are actively working to track him down and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with knowledge of Benjamin's whereabouts is asked to contact Det. Dan Harris at 905-546-4067. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
King Residence Targeted in Separate Shootings
In an unrelated case, York Regional Police are investigating after a home in King, Ontario, was targeted in two separate shootings within a span of three days.
The first incident occurred on Sunday, January 11, at approximately 7:50 p.m., in the area of Dufferin St. and King Rd.. Police say a suspect fired multiple rounds at the house before fleeing the scene in a dark-coloured sedan.
Just days later, on Tuesday, January 13, around 5:20 a.m., police returned to the same address after another shooting was reported. In this instance, the suspect allegedly knocked loudly on the front door repeatedly before opening fire on the residence and two vehicles parked in the driveway. The suspect then fled in a red coupe.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in either shooting, though the home was occupied on both occasions. The incidents are being treated as targeted. Investigators are seeking witnesses, dashcam footage, and any additional video surveillance from the area around the times of the shootings.
Anyone with information is urged to contact York Regional Police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7817, or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Toronto Police R.I.D.E. Campaign Results
In other news, the Toronto Police Service's 2025 Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign has concluded with significant results. The initiative, which ran from November 20, 2025, to January 2, 2026, aimed to curb impaired driving during the holiday season.
During the campaign, officers conducted the following enforcement actions:
- Stopped 23,811 vehicles.
- Performed over 2,200 roadside breath tests.
- Made a total of 201 arrests for impaired driving-related offences.
Police emphasize that the campaign highlights the ongoing risks of impaired driving, which remains a danger at any time of day or year.
