A 24-year-old Oshawa man has been arrested and charged in connection with a stabbing that took place in the downtown core last month. The Durham Regional Police Service took William Taylor Hayes into custody on March 26, 2026, following a brief foot pursuit.
The incident occurred on February 26, 2026, near the intersection of Celina Street and Bruce Street. According to investigators, the victim was walking with a friend around 10:40 p.m. when three individuals approached them. Following a verbal altercation, one person stabbed the victim. The victim was taken to a Toronto-area trauma centre with serious injuries and was listed in stable condition.
At the time of the stabbing, Hayes was already bound by a weapons prohibition and was on probation. He is now facing several charges, including aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, possessing a weapon for committing an offence, and two counts of breaching probation. He was held for a bail hearing following his arrest.
Police say there are no other outstanding suspects in this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact D/Cst. Armstrong of the Central East Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520, extension 2741. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Durham Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
