A violent attack at a Hamilton motel earlier this year has led to the arrest of a 34-year-old man, Joel Benjamin, on charges of attempted murder. The incident, which unfolded on January 2nd at the Red Rose Motel on Queenston Road, left a woman with serious injuries requiring hospitalization.
Following a thorough investigation by the Hamilton Police homicide unit, a nationwide warrant was issued for Benjamin’s arrest. He was apprehended this week in the Greater Toronto Area without incident, bringing a crucial turning point to the case.
The arrest wasn’t solely focused on the stabbing. Investigators also seized a quantity of suspected controlled substances, including fentanyl, and a significant amount of gold bars – approximately $30,000 worth. Benjamin now faces additional charges related to drug trafficking.
Alongside Benjamin, a 36-year-old man was also arrested at the scene, facing charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000, indicating a potential network of illicit activity.
Meanwhile, York Regional Police are unraveling a complex fraud scheme involving a former senior manager. Between January 2025 and September 2025, fraudulent invoices totaling over $360,000 were discovered after the manager’s departure from a Markham business.
Jennifer Hossain, 36, is accused of orchestrating the fraud, allegedly submitting invoices for services never rendered. These funds were then directed to companies linked to two other individuals, Foysol Ahmed, 42, and Forida Akhter, 64, who now face related charges.
Investigators believe Hossain may be connected to other unreported fraudulent activities and are urging anyone who may have employed her to come forward with information. The scope of the alleged deception is still being determined.
In Richmond Hill, police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a brazen commercial robbery. On Saturday evening, a masked individual entered a store on Forestwood Street armed with a firearm and stole an undisclosed amount of cash.
The suspect is described as a male, approximately 6’3” to 6’5”, with a dark complexion, and estimated to be between 28 and 30 years old. He was last seen wearing a black ski mask, red jacket, and black shoes with white soles, carrying a black firearm with silver trim.
Finally, Toronto Police are searching for a man and a woman wanted in connection with a theft investigation near Kingston Road and Victoria Park Avenue. The pair allegedly stole a wallet from a locker room on February 21st, subsequently using the victim’s credit card to make unauthorized purchases.
Cristina-Monalisa Honciu, 37, and Mihai-Valentin Caslariu, 48, are wanted for theft, credit card fraud, and possession of stolen property. Descriptions have been released to aid in their identification and apprehension.
