Man Arrested in Three Separate Incidents Involving Women in Ajax

A 27-year-old man is now in police custody after authorities linked him to a series of troubling incidents involving women in Ajax last week.

According to Durham Region police, the first incident occurred on May 29 in the Harwood Avenue and Clements Road West area. A woman walking in the neighborhood was reportedly approached by an unknown man just before 7:30 p.m. The man is alleged to have touched the woman inappropriately before quickly fleeing the scene, leaving the victim shaken but unharmed.

The following afternoon, another woman was confronted near 314 Harwood Avenue South. In this case, the suspect allegedly attempted to steal her backpack as she walked through a local plaza shortly before 4 p.m. The woman managed to escape his grasp as he fled the area, avoiding further harm.

A third incident took place just before noon on May 31, along the sidewalk near 75 Bayly Street East. Police say a man approached a female pedestrian, grabbed her backpack, and caused her to fall to the ground. The victim screamed for help, alerting nearby bystanders who quickly came to her aid. The suspect fled the scene before police arrived.

Investigators soon determined that all three incidents were linked to the same individual. On June 4, police arrested Seth Mantifel of Scugog. The accused now faces two counts of robbery and one count of sexual assault in connection with these attacks.

In a bid to ensure public safety, police have released Mantifel's photo, expressing concern that there may be more victims who have yet to come forward. Authorities are urging anyone with information, or who believes they may have been a victim, to contact them immediately.

Officials have increased patrols in the affected neighborhoods and continue their investigation into these incidents, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and vigilance.