Detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) have made an arrest in a stabbing incident which occurred on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at approximately 4:20 A.M. the area of Niagara Street and Queenston Street in downtown St. Catharines.
Through a coordinated investigation led by detectives with the 1 District CIB, supported by the Forensic Services Unit (FSU), 1 District Street Crime Unit (SCU), and the Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit (C.O.R.E.), investigators identified a male suspect.
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, 48-year-old Mark Formanek, of no fixed address, was arrested and has been charged with the following offences:
Attempted Murder – s239(1) Criminal Code Disguise with Intent – 351(2) Criminal Code Carry Concealed Weapon – 90(1) Criminal Code Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose – 88(1) Criminal Code
Formanek remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing Friday, October 10, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.
Investigators have recovered a knife believed to have been used in the attack and obtained video evidence showing the suspect before and after the incident.
The victim’s condition has improved and is expected to make a full recovery.
Detectives are now looking to identify a second male who stole from the victim after he had been stabbed. That male did not provide aid to the victim, nor did he call for help. Instead, that male stole the victim’s cellphone from his backpack while he suffered from his injuries.
The male responsible for the theft is described as follows:
Male White 25–35 years old Wearing black pants with a white logo on the left leg A hat worn backwards On a bicycle
Police are appealing for this male, or anyone with information about his identity, to contact investigators. (Two photos of the male have been attached)
Police believe the stabbing was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges have not been ruled out as detectives continue to review evidence and interview witnesses.
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at (905) 688-4111, dial option 3, ext. 1009222.
Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
NRPS Incident 25-115982
ORIGINAL RELEASE
Detectives Investigating Early Morning Stabbing in St. Catharines
On Sunday, October 5, 2025, at approximately 4:45 a.m., 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold), uniform officers with the Niagara Regional Police Service responded to reports of a stabbing near Queenston Street and Niagara Street in the City of St. Catharines.
When officers arrived, they located a man in his 30s with serious injuries. He was transported to an out-of-region hospital for treatment of non life-threatening injuries.
Detectives have determined that the man had been sleeping outdoors after leaving a nearby licensed establishment when he was struck in the head and stabbed multiple times by an unknown male suspect. The suspect then fled the scene with the victim’s cellphone.
The male suspect is described as:
White Approximately 5’8” In his 30s Shorter beard
Detectives believe this was an isolated, yet random, act of violence.
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have located a discarded cellphone, knife, or clothing in the area of Queenston Street and Niagara Street to contact investigators.
Members of the public are also urged to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious persons or activity.
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at (905) 688-4111, dial option 3, ext. 1009222.
Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.