Ont. man wanted for attempted abduction of woman in Wellesley Township
A man wanted for the attempted abduction of a Wellesley, Ont. woman on Tuesday has now been identified.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service said David Sherk, a 50-year-old from Paris, Ont., is wanted for kidnapping and assault with a weapon.
On Aug. 13, at around 11:30 a.m., a stranger approached a 49-year-old woman at a property near Hessen Strasse and Greenwood Hill Road.
The man allegedly attacked the woman and threatened her with a knife, before trying to force the victim into a vehicle.
Police said she managed to escape and the man drove off.
The vehicle was found abandoned a short time later and it was believed the man ran into a nearby wooded area.
Waterloo Regional Police officers search for a kidnapping suspect in Wellesley on Aug. 13, 2024. (Dave Pettitt/CTV News)
Police issued a ‘shelter in place’ warning, asking residents to stay away from the area or remain inside their homes while officers, drones, canine units and an OPP helicopter searched the immediate area.
The alert was called off about five hours later after police determined the man was no longer in the area.
On Tuesday, they shared a photo of Sherk.
A photo of David Sherk provided by Waterloo Regional Police Service. (Courtesy: Waterloo Regional Police Service)
"We believe he could be armed and dangerous," Insp. Kyle Lambert said Wednesday. "We're asking people who may come into contact with him - don't approach him and call 911 immediately."
Neighbours react
Residents were shocked by the violent attack in their neighbourhood.
“It was a little hard to believe, here in Wellesley, something like that was going on,” said Bonnie Brand. “Glad no one got hurt.”
A Waterloo Regional Police officer in Wellesley on Aug. 13, 2024. (Dave Pettitt/CTV News)
“It’s pretty quiet,” explained Peter Brand. “We’re used to horse and buggies going by our door. Not people being robbed.”
During the attack, police said passersby jumped in to help the woman.
“That’s Wellesley,” Peter Brand said. “Everybody is going to help out wherever they can, if they see somebody in need of help. Somebody’s there to help.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING
BREAKING James Earl Jones, acclaimed actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93
James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen — eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, 'The Lion King' and Darth Vader — has died. He was 93.
Alberta protesters get 6 1/2-year sentences for roles in Coutts border blockade
Two men have been sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison for their roles in the blockade of the Canada-U.S. border crossing at Coutts, Alta.
BREAKING
BREAKING Harvey Weinstein undergoes emergency heart surgery
Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was rushed to a hospital from a New York City prison on Sunday and underwent heart surgery on Monday, his representatives said.
John and Matthew Gaudreau are mourned by the hockey community, family and friends at their funeral
John and Matthew Gaudreau were remembered as loving brothers and husbands who put family above hockey and everything else at a tearful funeral held Monday, a week and a half after they died when they were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles in their home state of New Jersey.
Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney to join Liberal Party as special adviser
Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney will be joining the Liberal Party as a special adviser. In an official press release on Monday, the party says Carney will serve as the chair of a leader's task force on economic growth.
BREAKING
BREAKING 'Peter Nygard is a sexual predator:' Former fashion mogul sentenced to 11 years in prison
Former Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. The sentence was handed to Nygard, 83, by Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert Goldstein in Toronto on Monday. Last November, a jury found Nygard guilty of four counts of sexual assault following a six-week trial.
Quebec village preparing for 370 per cent hike in property taxes
Residents in the small Quebec village of Danford Lake may soon be priced out of their homes, as property valuations and taxes are set to skyrocket.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, 'doing what I can to stay cancer free' after finishing chemotherapy
Catherine, Princess of Wales, has said she has completed her chemotherapy and is 'doing what I can to stay cancer free,' as she plans to return gradually to public life in the months ahead.
opinion
opinion Princess of Wales, after gruelling chemotherapy, offers words of hope for fellow cancer patients
Royal commentator Afua Hagan says the Princess of Wales' announcement that she's completed her course of preventative chemotherapy marks a significant milestone in her recovery from the illness discovered following abdominal surgery earlier this year, and a massive relief for the Royal Family.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
