Paris man wanted for kidnapping, assault following ‘violent’ attack in Wellesley

Waterloo Regional Police have released more information about a man wanted for kidnapping and assault in Wellesley on Tuesday.

David Sherk, 50, of Paris is wanted on charges of kidnapping and assault with a weapon and is considered armed and dangerous.

People living and working in the Hessen Strasse and Greenwood Road area were told to shelter in place for several hours on Tuesday because of the manhunt.

“YMCA Camp Ki-Wa-Y is under ‘hold and secure’ at the direction of Waterloo Regional Police Services. All campers and staff are accounted for and safe indoors. Families and parents have been informed directly,” a spokesperson from the camp told 570 NewsRadio.

The call to police came in at 11:30 a.m. for a male who forced a female into a vehicle while brandishing a knife. According to police, the two were unknown to each other. The suspect assaulted the victim but no injuries were reported.

The vehicle was later recovered abandoned.

“Because of the nature of the incident, we are asking for residents to remain inside,” Cst. Chris Iden of WRPS told 570 NewsRadio. “This person was pretty violent in nature when committing the incident, so we’re asking people just to stay in there for community safety.”

Officials searched the area using drones and canines. Provincial police also assisted in the region with the aviation unit.

Police confirmed shortly after 6 p.m. on Tuesday that the hold and secure messaging was lifted and officers began to clear the scene.

“We appreciate the community’s cooperation and patience,” read a social media post from WRPS.

The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Police are asking the public to not approach Sherk and instead call 9-1-1 immediately.