Durham Police Service: Woman Charged After an Unprovoked Attack at Ajax Library

On Saturday, March 22, 2025, at approximately 12:00 p.m., members from West Division were dispatched to an assault call at the Ajax Public Library located at 55 Harwood Avenue. Officers spoke with the victim who advised she was in the library studying when she was approached by an unknown female. The female began yelling profanities at the victim and throwing objects at her head. The suspect then tried to remove the victim’s hijab, while pouring an unknown liquid on it. The suspect then grabbed a lighter and attempted to light the hijab on fire. The victim was able to scream for help, at which time security intervened.

The suspect fled the library but was located by officers a few hours later and taken into custody without incident.

Kaley-Ann FREIER, age 25, of Ajax is charged with: Assault with a Weapon x2 and Fail to Comply with Probation Order x3.

She was held for a bail hearing.

This investigation remains ongoing. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, investigators are required to consult with the Crown Attorney’s office to determine whether the evidence meets the legal threshold for hate to be considered a factor.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Goldenberg of West Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 x 2529.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court.