Police say a man wanted in connection with a fatal stabbing last summer in Sault Ste. Marie has been arrested in Toronto.
Sault Ste. Marie Police say that yesterday, detectives with Investigation Services, with assistance from the Toronto Police Service charged 25-year-old Tyler Abbott with second-degree murder.
In a news release, Sault Police said that exactly a year earlier, on Aug. 20, 2023, officers patrolling near Queen Street West at James Street were flagged down by a man who had been stabbed in the abdomen and sustained serious injuries. The victim was transported to hospital.
Police say at the time there were grounds to charge the suspect — who police say was known to the victim — with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and failure to comply with an undertaking.
Officers, including the Canine Unit, conducted a search for the accused but were unable to locate him. A warrant was issued for an arrest.
On Sept. 1, 2023, the victim died in hospital, Sault Ste. Marie Police said in a news release.
Last month, police say it was determined the victim passed away due to complications resulting from the stab wound. As such, the charge would be upgraded to second degree murder.
Police say on the evening of Aug. 10, the suspect was arrested by the Toronto Police Service in an unrelated incident.
Yesterday, detectives from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service attended Toronto South Detention Centre in Etobicoke, Ont., and arrested Abbott.
He was charged with second degree murder and held in custody pending a bail hearing.
None of the charges have been tested in court and Abbott is considered innocent unless proven guilty.