Durham Regional Police

Police are requesting the public’s assistance following a shooting at a business in Whitby. On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m., members of Central West Division responded to an armed person call at a used car dealership in the area of Hopkins Street and Dundas Street East. Officers attended and located several spent bullet casings. Surveillance video captured the incident. In the footage, a suspect arrives at the dealership parking lot in a white Honda CR‑V, exits the vehicle, and fires several shots at a trailer on the property before fleeing the area. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident. Anyone with cellphone, dash cam, or surveillance footage from this location on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, between 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., or any information about this incident is asked to contact Detective McCracken at 905-579-1520 ext. 1845 Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

Male Arrested After Stabbing in Pickering A male is facing several charges after stabbing a male youth in Pickering. On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at approximately 11:15 a.m., members of West Division responded to an assist ambulance call at Pine Ridge Secondary School. Ambulance attended the school for a male who had fallen but upon arrival learned the male had been assaulted with a weapon and called police. Officers arrived on scene and determined two students were involved in an altercation off school property when the suspect demanded the victim hand over his personal property. When the victim refused, the suspect brandished an edged weapon and stabbed the victim. The victim was transported to a Toronto-area trauma centre with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. A short time later, officers located the suspect at the school and took him into custody without incident. Zaidan IBRAHIM MOHAMED ABKAR, age 20 of Pickering is charged with: Aggravated Assault, Assault with a Weapon, Assault, Possess Weapon Dangerous, Robbery, and Fail to Comply with Probation Order. He was held for a bail hearing. Anyone with cell phone, dash cam, surveillance footage or information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Jean-Paul Ricot-Gomez of the West Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. xxxx. Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward. The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court. -30-

Behind every call for help is a calm, steady voice on the other end of the line. This week, during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we recognize the incredible work of our 9-1-1 communicators — the unseen first responders who are there in life’s most critical moments. From guiding callers through emergencies to supporting frontline officers in real time, their professionalism, compassion, and resilience make a difference every single day. 🎥 In this video, Chief Peter Moreira, Superintendent O’Blenes, and Duty Inspector Baggio share a message of thanks and appreciation. To our communicators: Your voices save lives. Your work matters. And we are grateful for you — today and every day. #NPSTW #911Communicators #HeadsetHeroes

Multiple Youth Injured in Clarington Collision. Full Story: drps.ca/news/posts/mul…

🎓 DRPS Suits for Youth – Today at the Oshawa Centre 👔 If you’re graduating from Grade 8 or Grade 12 and need something to wear for grad, come see us today from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Oshawa Centre. Enter at the food court and follow the signs! ✅ Free suits ✅ Free shoes ✅ Free accessories No cost, no catch — just support to help you look and feel confident on your big day. 💙 Please share to help us spread the word!

The roadway is now re-opened.

POLICE INVESTIGATION | PICKERING Large police presence in the area of Liverpool Rd. and Finch Ave., Pickering. Ongoing investigation. One male transported to trauma centre in Toronto and in stable condition. Suspect is in custody. Update to follow.

ROAD CLOSURE | BOWMANVILLE Longworth Avenue between Scugog Street and Bowmanville Avenue in Bowmanville will be closed for a collision investigation. Please find an alternative route.

The victim in Durham Region’s second homicide of 2026 has been identified. Full story: drps.ca/news/posts/upd…

In this 911 call, one of our 911 communicators helps an elderly driver who was lost, confused, and disoriented, providing calm reassurance, patience, and care when it mattered most. This is the work our 911 communicators do every day: listening, problem‑solving, and showing compassion in moments of fear and uncertainty. As we mark National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we’re proud to recognize the steady voices behind the line. #NPSTW #911Communicators #HereWhenItMatters

Male Pronounced Deceased in Durham Region’s Second Homicide of 2026 _______________________________________________________________________ An adult male has died in Durham Region’s second homicide of 2026. On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at approximately 12:40 a.m., members from West Division responded to an initial report of a break-and-enter in progress at a residence in the area of Harwood Avenue North and Taunton Road East in Ajax. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from traumatic injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two suspects fled the scene prior to police arrival. An extensive search, with the assistance of the DRPS K9 Unit, was conducted; however, the suspects were not located. Residents can expect an increased police presence in the area as the investigation continues. At this time, investigators believe this was a targeted incident and there are no concerns for public safety. The Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation and is asking anyone who was in the area of Harwood Avenue North and Taunton Road East between 12:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., who may have cell phone, dash‑cam, or surveillance footage, or any information, to contact police. If you have any information about this incident, please contact Det. Scot Green of the DRPS Homicide Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5319. Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward. -30-

HOMICIDE | AJAX There will be a large police presence in the area of Taunton Road and Harwood Avenue North in Ajax for a homicide investigation. Investigators believe this incident was targeted and there are currently no concerns for public safety. Media officers will be attending the scene to provide an update at 10:00 a.m. Anyone that was in the area between 12:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. with cell phone, dash cam, surveillance footage or any information is asked to contact police at 1-888-579-1520.

The road is now re-opened.

ROAD CLOSURE | BOWMANVILLE Regional Road 3 is closed from Old Scugog Road to Holt Rold due to a single motor vehicle collision. One person has been taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

DRPS Presents David J. “Buzz” Bezzant Memorial Award Recognizing Excellence in 911 Communications From April 12 to 18, 2026, the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) is recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW), an annual opportunity to acknowledge the critical role 911 Communicators play in public safety. DRPS 911 Communicators are the first point of contact for individuals experiencing emergencies. They provide calm and professional guidance during moments of crisis, gather critical information, and support police officers and emergency responders during rapidly evolving and high risk incidents. Their work is essential to effective emergency response and community safety. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week recognizes the professionalism, skill, and resilience required of communicators who manage high pressure situations while remaining composed, focused, and compassionate. As part of this week of recognition, Chief Peter Moreira presented the 2026 David J. “Buzz” Bezzant Memorial Award to Danielle Inward, a 9 1 1 Communicator with the Service since 2016. The peer-nominated award is presented annually to a 9 1 1 Communicator in recognition of excellence, outstanding performance, and meaningful contributions to public safety. Danielle was nominated by her colleagues for her exceptional professionalism, calm under pressure, and consistent leadership—qualities demonstrated during multiple high stress and critical incidents. Peer nominations highlighted her ability to manage rapidly evolving situations with clarity and composure, ensuring effective communication and support for responding officers and fellow communicators. Nominators also emphasized Danielle’s commitment to teamwork and mentorship within Communications, describing her as a trusted colleague, supportive trainer, and steady presence on the floor. The award is named in honour of David J. “Buzz” Bezzant, who worked as a telecommunicator with Oshawa Ambulance before joining the DRPS 9 1 1 Communications unit in 1981. Known throughout Durham Region for his calm and caring voice, Buzz served his community for more than 34 years and retired from DRPS in 2015. During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, DRPS recognizes all members of its Communications unit for the vital role they play in keeping the community safe and congratulates Danielle Inward on being selected as the 2026 recipient of the David J. “Buzz” Bezzant Memorial Award. #NPSTW # NPSTW2026 #HeadsetHeroes

The investigation has been completed and police have cleared.

POLICE INVESTIGATION | WHITBY There is a large police presence in the area of Green St from St. Lawrence St to Clemence Ave for a police investigation. This is an isolated incident and there are no concerns for public safety. Please avoid the area. Update to follow.

📞 911 Communications Sit Along: Knowing the Right Number to Call As part of today’s sit along in 911 Communications, we’re sharing an important reminder about knowing which number to call when you need assistance. 911 is for life-threatening emergencies—situations where police, fire, or paramedics are needed immediately. So far this shift, we’ve received 911 calls for issues that were not emergencies, including: •A wallet that had been found — thank you for being a good neighbour. In these cases, please call the non-emergency line or drop the item off at a local DRPS division •A call about an online marketplace item that was purchased but does not work — this falls under buyer beware and is not an emergency. If you’re unsure whether something is a police matter, the non-emergency line is happy to assist. •Requests for updates on a report — also not an emergency. For non-emergency police matters, please contact our non emergency line at 905-579-1520. Using the right number helps keep 911 available for people who need immediate help. #NPSTW #NPSTW2026 #HeadsetHeroes

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2026 From April 12 to 18, 2026, the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) proudly recognizes National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW) — a dedicated time to honour the telecommunications professionals who play a critical role in public safety. First established in 1981, NPSTW recognizes the often unseen but essential work of 9‑1‑1 communicators — the calm, steady voices on the line during moments of crisis. Across Canada, public safety agencies observe this week each year to celebrate the professionalism, skill, and resilience of those who support emergency response 24 hours a day, seven-days-a-week. At DRPS, our 9‑1‑1 Communicators are the first point of contact for people in need. When you call 9‑1‑1, they are the voice you hear first — asking whether police, fire, or ambulance assistance is required. They transfer fire and ambulance calls to our emergency service partners, handle police calls directly, and answer non‑emergency police calls from the community. In 2025, DRPS Communications handled: 229,789 9‑1‑1 calls, and 337,480 non‑emergency police calls Behind every one of those calls is a highly trained professional gathering critical information, providing calm direction, coordinating police response, and supporting officers and emergency responders in rapidly evolving, high‑risk situations. Throughout National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, DRPS will highlight the incredible work of our communicators by sharing stories that reflect the professionalism, teamwork, and dedication they bring to every shift. 📣 We’re kicking off the week today from the 9‑1‑1 / Communications Centre, where we’ll be working alongside C Platoon — so stay tuned to our Instagram channel as we recognize the voices behind the calls and the vital role they play in keeping Durham Region safe. To all our DRPS 9‑1‑1 Communicators: Thank you for your professionalism, your resilience, and your unwavering commitment to our community and public safety. This week is for you. #NPSTW2026 #NPSTW #FirstFirstResponders #HeadsetHeroes To follow us on Instgram: instagram.com/drps_official/

Police are searching for a male who broke into a kiosk at the Shops at Pickering City Centre and stole several cell phones and electronics. drps.ca/news/posts/mal…