Kingston Police make arrest a year after violent attack

• UPDATE | On March 20, 2024, Paul John MacDonaldwas found guilty of nine charges in connection with incidents involving his former partner, including assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weaponand uttering death threats.

For the first time in a year, Sabrina L'Heureux feels safe in her own home.

L'Heureux's former partner, Paul John MacDonald, 44, was arrested by Kingston Policeon Sept. 4, after a year on the run.

Police confirm MacDonald had been wanted in connection with a violent attack at L'Heureux's home last September. His arrest was a year to the date of the alleged assault in 2021.

L'Heureux says her former partner attacked her with a knife, injuring her. She managed to barricade herself and her toddler son in a bedroom and eventually fled to a neighbouring home.

MacDonaldis the father of her four-year-old son.

Police filed charges, but MacDonald evaded arrest for the past year.

"I am so happy to have my life back," said L'Heureux in an interview from her home in Kingston. "I've got mixed feelings. I am frustrated because of how long it took. I'm so happy that he's finally caught."

Twice last year, Kingston Police put out news releases detailing the events that left L'Heureux bleeding and bruised. Police asked for the public's help to locate MacDonald, who was wanted on six charges, including assault with a weapon and uttering death threats.

There's a history of violence that predates the September 2021 incident, including unresolved charges from their tumultuous relationship and a prior criminal conviction that was unbeknownst to L'Heureux until recently.

Despite this history, L'Heureux saidshe and her toddler weren't provided any protections after an initial attack and charges in 2020.

The alleged knife attack last September was her third call to police.

It has all left L'Heureux and her family wondering if authorities could have done moresooner and now L'Heureux worries the relief of MacDonald's arrest may be fleeting.

"Now I'm facing the possibility that he could potentially be released on bail," said L'Heureux.

Kingston Police confirm a bail hearing is set for MacDonald on Friday afternoon.