Ottawa police are stepping up a manhunt for a 35-year-old suspect who is wanted for the attempted murder of a woman in Barrhaven on Friday.
Police say Claude Legare might be driving a green 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe with Ontario plates AXYR 933. He is considered armed and dangerous.
As police continue their search, provincial police are also investigating a suspicious fire that destroyed the home of stabbing victim Brenda Van Leyen.
"At this point the fire is deemed to be suspicious and any other details are still under investigation," said OPP Const. Cathy Lindsay.
Municipal records indicate Van Leyen and Legare co-owned the Kemptville home.
Van Leyen, 47, is still recovering from serious injuries in hospital after being stabbed multiple times outside a Shoppers Drug Mart store on Strandherd Drive.
A drug store employee who came to her aid was also stabbed. He suffered minor injuries in the attack.
Police say Legare has a scruffy appearance, and was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, a dark baseball cap, light grey track pants and dark winter shoes at the time of the incident. He is described as white, five feet seven inches tall and 205 pounds.
Legare is wanted for attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, attempted kidnapping, and three counts of breach of recognizance.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Ottawa police at 613-236-1222, ext. 5493 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-TIPS.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Karen Soloman
