Man wanted for Toronto stabbing arrested in Niagara Falls, police say

Toronto police have issued a statement saying their search for a man believed to be connected to a fatal stabbing on Tuesday is over after he was arrested in Niagara Falls.

On June 17, Toronto police responded to a stabbing in the area of Danforth Avenue and Coxwell Avenue.

Their investigation revealed that an altercation took place between two men behind a plaza, during which a 35-year-old man was stabbed. He was transported to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police later identified the victim as Ashkan Pournasir-Roudbane of Toronto.

Officials say Anthony Olivera was found and arrested by Niagara police in the area of Falls Avenue and Clifton Hill on Sunday.

He has been charged with first-degree murder.

Fatal Stabbing in Toronto Leads to Arrest in Niagara Falls: Anthony Olivera Charged with First-Degree Murder

In a tragic development that has shaken communities in both Toronto and Niagara Falls, Toronto police have announced the arrest of a man believed to be connected to a fatal stabbing that occurred earlier in the week. The suspect, now identified as Anthony Olivera, was located and apprehended in Niagara Falls on Sunday, effectively concluding an intensive police search that had been underway since Tuesday.

The incident that set these events in motion unfolded on Tuesday, June 17, in the east end of Toronto, in the vicinity of Danforth Avenue and Coxwell Avenue, a typically busy and vibrant area known for its local businesses, cultural diversity, and active pedestrian traffic. The Toronto Police Service responded to reports of a violent altercation that had taken place behind a local plaza, where an argument between two men escalated into a fatal stabbing.

The Tragic Scene Unfolds

According to police reports, the confrontation between the two individuals occurred behind a commercial plaza—an area that is typically hidden from public view but accessible to workers and residents of the area. Witnesses alerted authorities after hearing a commotion and discovering a man suffering from apparent stab wounds.

Emergency medical personnel arrived promptly at the scene and found a 35-year-old man in critical condition. Despite swift efforts to stabilize and transport him to a local hospital, the man succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. He was later identified as Ashkan Pournasir-Roudbane, a Toronto resident.

The loss of Pournasir-Roudbane has sent waves of grief through his community. Those who knew him have described him as a thoughtful and kind individual who was known for his calm demeanor and willingness to help others. His death has left family, friends, and neighbours in mourning, and has triggered public calls for justice and increased safety in the neighborhood.

Investigation and Manhunt

Following the stabbing, homicide investigators from the Toronto Police Service launched an extensive investigation. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, eyewitness accounts, and forensic evidence were all employed in an effort to piece together the sequence of events that led to Pournasir-Roudbane’s tragic death.

As part of the investigation, police identified a suspect and issued a public alert asking for help locating him. Over the following days, the manhunt for the suspect became a top priority for Toronto authorities, who collaborated with other regional police departments in southern Ontario.

Arrest in Niagara Falls

The search came to an end on Sunday, when Niagara Regional Police Service officers located the suspect in the popular tourist area of Falls Avenue and Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This area, known for its heavy foot traffic and entertainment venues, was reportedly under increased surveillance once police received credible information pointing to the suspect’s possible presence there.

According to officials, Anthony Olivera was apprehended without incident. The arrest took place quietly, with no injuries reported during the operation. He was transported back to Toronto, where he now faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of Ashkan Pournasir-Roudbane.

Who is Anthony Olivera?

While Toronto Police have not released a detailed biography of the accused, sources confirm that Anthony Olivera has had prior interactions with law enforcement. However, the details of his criminal history, if any, remain undisclosed due to ongoing legal proceedings.

The charge of first-degree murder is among the most serious in the Canadian criminal justice system and is typically laid when there is evidence to suggest that the killing was planned and deliberate. This suggests that investigators believe there may have been a level of premeditation involved in the fatal incident. Olivera is expected to appear in court shortly to face the charges formally.

Community Reaction

The neighborhood around Danforth and Coxwell, which is no stranger to urban challenges but is generally considered safe, has been left shaken by the violent incident. Local councillors and community advocates have spoken out, offering condolences to the victim’s family and pledging to work with law enforcement to ensure public safety.

“This is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly violence can erupt,” said one community member. “Ashkan’s death is not just a statistic—it’s a life lost, a family broken, and a community mourning.”

In the wake of the incident, local businesses and residents have increased vigilance and are calling for more patrolling in secluded areas behind shops and alleys. City officials are also urging people to come forward with any information that might assist in the ongoing investigation.

Legal Process and Next Steps

As Anthony Olivera faces a first-degree murder charge, the legal process will now proceed through the courts. Under Canadian law, first-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without eligibility for parole for 25 years if convicted. The legal process will likely include preliminary hearings, pre-trial motions, and potentially a full jury trial unless a plea agreement is reached.

The Toronto Police Homicide and Missing Persons Unit, which has taken the lead on the case, has stated that they are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal altercation. Detectives are reportedly looking into whether the incident was a result of a personal dispute, gang-related conflict, or other motive.

Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Toronto Police or leave anonymous tips via Crime Stoppers.

Broader Implications

This tragedy also highlights growing concerns over violence in public spaces in urban centers across Canada. While overall crime rates in Toronto have fluctuated over recent years, high-profile incidents like this one have reignited debates around mental health support, poverty, and the presence of weapons in the city.

Community organizations are using the moment to call for greater investment in social programs aimed at reducing conflict before it escalates to violence. Advocates argue that while policing is essential, more upstream interventions—such as mental health resources and community engagement—are necessary to address the root causes of urban violence.

A Life Remembered

As the legal process unfolds, those who knew Ashkan Pournasir-Roudbane are left to remember a life that ended far too soon. Tributes have poured in on social media, with friends and family sharing memories and photos, and expressing disbelief that such a tragedy could occur in their midst.

A vigil is being planned in his memory at a local park near Danforth Avenue later this week, where members of the community will gather to honor his life and call for peace.

In a city known for its multicultural vibrancy and relative safety, incidents like these are a sobering reminder that violence can strike anywhere, and justice must be pursued with diligence and care.

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