HUNTER: Accused Toronto rampage stabber now charged in Niagara Falls murder attempt

The police description of the M.O. fits like a glove. Perfect almost.

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The violent narrative, as allegedly scripted by Mackenzie Duncan, 23, in Niagara Falls, has a chillingly familiar ring to it.

Duncan, of course, was out on bail at the time he allegedly went on a stabbing rampage in downtown Toronto last weekend. Three people were stabbed in what cops are calling “unprovoked” attacks on total strangers.

In addition to the stabbings, he was charged with three counts of failing to comply with a release order.

But let’s rewind to March 27, around 8:45 p.m. in Niagara Falls, shall we?

According to cops, officers responded to a disturbance on Queen St. near Erie Ave. in the Falls for a disturbance call. It was much more.

A 66-year-old Toronto man was found suffering from stab wounds considered life-threatening. The victim was transported to a trauma centre outside Niagara, where he underwent what cops say was “lifesaving surgery.”

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Cops say the suspect stabbed the victim, who had been minding his own business sitting on a park bench, multiple times before fleeing on foot. Cops initially arrested another man, Luizao Miguel Castro, 35, who had outstanding warrants for, uh, failing to comply with probation and release.

Further investigation revealed that Castro was not involved in the stabbing.

Niagara Regional Police said their detectives worked with Toronto cops to “identify a suspect.” TPS busted Duncan on Sunday.

Late Tuesday, NRP detectives charged Duncan, of no fixed address, with attempted murder, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and … DRUMROLL …failure to comply with a release order in connection with the Falls stabbing.

Thankfully, the Niagara victim has been released from the hospital and is now recovering at home.

Amazingly, Duncan is being held in custody for a bail hearing slated for next Wednesday at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Ave. W.

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“He had the sexual assault charge from last summer (that’s still before the courts), so common sense dictates that he should be remanded in custody,” one Toronto cop told the Sun with a laugh. “But you never know.”

Part of the problem is that, too often, Crown attorneys don’t revoke bail on other charges. And that’s when accused criminals skate out of court.

Why?! “They’re lazy,” the cop said.

The Toronto Police Association sent four questions regarding criminal justice matters to federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Liberal Leader Mark Carney. One of the queries was on the nation’s widely disreputed bail regime.

The TPA lambasted whoever was responsible for allowing Duncan bail in the first place.

“Our members are disappointed but not surprised to learn that a man arrested for three separate, random incidents of violence in downtown Toronto was already on bail for other serious charges,” the TPA said in a statement Monday.

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“When will this revolving door end for this person, and at what point will the safety of our communities and members come first?”

An excellent question.

A crime-weary nation awaits answers — our lives could depend on it.

Anyone with information about the Niagara Falls incident is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009639.

Members of the public 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 which leads to an arrest.

bhunter@postmedia.com

@HunterTOSun

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