The Durham Regional Police Service issued a safety warning on March 2, 2026, for residents in Ajax, Ontario, after a high-risk offender was granted a short-term leave from prison. Darren Scott Ray, 65, is currently serving a life sentence for first-degree murder and is staying in nearby Oshawa while on a 72-hour unsupervised release.
Police say Ray poses a significant risk to the community and will be watched by a special monitoring unit during his stay. He must follow several strict rules, including a total ban on using drugs or alcohol and a requirement to stay within the borders of Durham Region at all times.
Ray is not allowed to be near any children under the age of 18 unless he is with an approved adult who knows about his criminal history. He is described as an Indigenous man who is 5-foot-9 and 199 pounds, with an average build, a bald head, and glasses.
Local residents with doorbell cameras or dashcams are encouraged to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior to the police. Anyone who sees Ray breaking his release conditions is asked to contact Detective Broadfoot with the police department.
While the permit was granted by the Parole Board of Canada, local officers will continue to track Ray’s movements. He is also required to immediately tell his supervisor about any new friendships or relationships he starts while out on leave.
