Violent Stabbing Shakes Stratford Picnic Area, Police Intensify Search for Suspect

Stratford, ON – A serene Wednesday evening in Stratford's popular William Allman Memorial Arena parking lot, a cherished picnic spot by the Avon River, was shattered by a violent stabbing incident that has left a community shaken and police actively searching for a suspect.

Just before 11:00 p.m.

on Wednesday night, specifically around 10:45 p.m., emergency services were called to the scene following reports of an assault. Upon arrival, officers confirmed that a male victim had suffered serious injuries consistent with a stabbing. Paramedics promptly transported the injured individual to a local hospital.

Fortunately, authorities have confirmed that despite the severity, the victim's injuries are considered non-life-threatening.

According to initial police reports, the assailant, described as a male, fled the scene on foot immediately after the attack. Investigators have released a general description of the suspect, urging the public to be vigilant and report any relevant information.

He is described as being approximately 5’8” to 5’10” tall, with a slender build, and was last seen wearing a dark-coloured hoodie and dark pants.

The Stratford Police Service has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Detectives are canvassing the area for potential witnesses and reviewing any available security footage from nearby establishments.

Police are emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in solving this case and are appealing directly to the public for assistance.

Anyone who was in the vicinity of the William Allman Memorial Arena parking lot or the Avon River picnic area on Wednesday night and may have witnessed the incident, or possesses security camera footage or dashcam recordings from the timeframe of the attack, is strongly encouraged to contact the Stratford Police Service at 519-271-4217.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, information can be provided through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.pc-crimestoppers.ca.

While the investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made as of Thursday morning, police have indicated that they believe this to be an isolated incident, reassuring residents that there is no broader threat to public safety at this time.

However, the search for the individual responsible for this act of violence continues.