A person matching the description of a man wanted in connection with the death of a Kitchener woman was seen in the parking lot of a Pennsylvania Walmart around 10 a.m. Friday morning, according to state police.
Melinda Vasilije, 22, was found dead on the floor of an apartment unit on Country Hill Drive around 3 a.m. the same day.
Waterloo Regional Police are looking for a 24-year-old Ager Mohsin Hasan of Hamilton in connection with her death, which they say was the result of a targeted attack.
“We believe he is responsible for the death of the 22-year-old female,” said Insp. Mike Haffner on Friday.
Pennsylvania State Police say a person matching Hasan’s description was seen removing a licence plate with the number EZV1654 from a vehicle in the parking lot of a Walmart in Harborcreek, Pennsylvania on Friday at about 10:18 a.m.
That individual was then seen attaching the plate to a black Honda HR-V before leaving the scene.
The plate also features a Fraternal Order of Police emblem, according to state police.
Waterloo Regional Police say Hasan was driving a black 2016 HR-V with the Ontario licence plate BPKT509 and had been seen crossing into the United States via the Peace Bridge at Fort Erie, Ontario.
In a statement to CTV, Vasilije’s family said she was a talented hairstylist who was passionate about making people feel beautiful, adding she was a positive, family-oriented person.
It read in part: “The devastation and pain this family has been faced with, no human being should ever have to feel. Melinda was too innocent to be faced with such evil. All we want is justice to be served for Melinda so we can begin to prepare for an unfulfilled life with a piece of us missing.”
Those who know Hasan say he has been active on social media since the incident, but has changed his profile name. As of Friday afternoon, one of his alleged accounts read: “Protected myself against the initial attacks, emotions were high on both sides. R.I.P.”
Police say Hasan is considered dangerous and should not be approached.
Anyone who encounters him should call 911.
With reporting from CTV's Nicole Lampa