Woman dead, man seriously injured after random assaults in Mississauga: Peel police

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A woman has died and a man is in hospital after they were randomly attacked in two separate incidents by the same man in Mississauga Friday night, said Peel police. 

Officers responded to an assault call shortly before 8 p.m. at a plaza near Dundas Street E. and Dagmar Avenue, said Const. Tyler Bell with Peel police in an emailed statement. 

A 55-year-old woman was found at the scene with significant injuries. She was transported to hospital, where she died, Bell said. 

After a brief chase and with help from a passerby, police arrested a 55-year-old man with no fixed address near the scene. Bell said there are no other suspects at this time. 

The accused is believed to have also assaulted a 61-year-old man, who is in hospital with serious injuries, at a bus stop near Dixie Road and Dundas Street E. around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Cst. Taylor Halfyard said at a news conference Saturday.

He said both the “disturbing” incidents were “random, unprovoked assaults.” The victims and accused were not known to each other beforehand.

“We believe that there may be additional victims and we are urging them to come forward,” said Halfyard, adding there is no active risk in the community.

The latest update by Peel police comes as Bell’s email to CBC Toronto on Friday said the incident did not appear to be random and that there was no risk to residents in the area.

The accused has been charged with second degree murder and aggravated assault, Cst. Taylor Halfyard said. ( Spencer Gallichan-Lowe/CBC)

Halfyard told reporters Saturday that change in the nature of the incidents came after several hours of investigation.

“Now we understand how unsettling incidents like this can be, but please know that the person responsible for this incident here in Mississauga is in custody.”

The accused has been charged with second degree murder and aggravated assault, Halfyard said. The man is in police custody ahead of his bail hearing on Saturday.

Halfyard noted there will be an increased police presence due to the ongoing investigation. He assured the public that occurrences like this are rare and encouraged people to contact police if they witness anything concerning.

Anyone with information or witnessed the altercations are urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.