Durham Regional Police have laid multiple charges following a violent stabbing at an Ajax emergency shelter that left one man seriously injured early Friday morning.
Officers responded to an armed person call just before 6 a.m. on February 20 at the Christian Faith Outreach Centre on Harwood Avenue in Ajax. The facility operates as a community “Hub,” providing low-barrier, one-stop services and support for individuals who are unhoused, at risk of homelessness, or experiencing financial hardship.
According to police, the incident began with an altercation between two men inside the shelter. Investigators say the dispute escalated when one of the men allegedly produced an edged weapon and stabbed the other man during the confrontation.
Emergency crews arrived quickly and located the victim suffering from serious injuries. He was transported to a Toronto trauma centre for treatment. Police confirmed that while the injuries were significant, they were not considered life-threatening.
Following the stabbing at the Ajax emergency shelter, officers launched an immediate search for the suspect. A short time later, police located and arrested the individual without incident. Authorities reported that the suspect sustained minor injuries during the altercation and was taken to Ajax-Pickering Hospital for medical attention before being processed.
Patrick Bless Evbuoman, 33, of no fixed address, has been charged in connection with the Ajax emergency shelter stabbing. The charges include three assault-related offences, possession of a dangerous weapon, and breach of probation. He was held for a bail hearing.
Police have not released further details about what sparked the altercation but confirmed the two men were known to each other prior to the incident. Investigators continue to review evidence and speak with witnesses to better understand the circumstances surrounding the stabbing.
The Christian Faith Outreach Centre has served as an important support location in Ajax since 2022, offering essential services to vulnerable members of the community. Incidents of violence at shelters are rare but raise concerns about safety within facilities that assist individuals facing difficult life situations.
Durham Regional Police are urging anyone who may have information related to the Ajax emergency shelter stabbing to come forward. Investigators are particularly interested in any cell phone video, dash cam footage or nearby surveillance recordings captured between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on February 20 in the Harwood Avenue area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Kerr of the West Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2560. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing as they work to ensure accountability and maintain community safety in Ajax and across Durham Region.
