Police Arrest Scugog Man After Three Separate Incidents Involving Women in Ajax

A 27-year-old man was arrested on June 4, 2025 in connection with three incidents involving female victims in Ajax, according to the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS). Police say the man faces two counts of robbery and one count of sexual assault related to separate incidents that occurred between May 29 and May 31.

According to DRPS, the three incidents took place in different locations in Ajax over a three-day period. Police reported that in each case, a woman was approached by an unidentified male.

On May 29, around 7:20 p.m., police say a woman was in the area of Harwood Avenue and Clements Road West when she was approached and touched inappropriately by an unknown man. The incident was reported to police several hours later.

On May 30, at approximately 3:50 p.m., police state a woman was walking through a plaza at 314 Harwood Avenue South when a man attempted to take her backpack. Police said the man displayed aggressive behaviour and made demands, but the woman managed to escape and approached a bystander for help. The man then left the area on foot.

On May 31, at about 11:50 a.m., a woman on the sidewalk near 75 Bayly Street East was approached by a man who grabbed her backpack, causing her to fall. Police say the woman screamed for help, and bystanders came to her aid.

Investigators reported that they connected all three incidents to a single suspect. Seth Mantifel, age 27, of Scugog, was arrested without incident, according to police. Mantifel was charged with two counts of robbery and one count of sexual assault, and police state he was held for a bail hearing.

DRPS has released a photo of the accused on its website and states it is concerned there may be other victims. Police ask anyone with information or relevant cell phone, dashcam, or surveillance footage to contact their investigators or Durham Regional Crime Stoppers. Police note the allegations have not yet been proven in court.