Pickering Casino Resort, located at 888 Durham Live Avenue, has been the site of multiple serious criminal incidents requiring police intervention. These cases highlight ongoing security challenges at the entertainment complex and the Durham Regional Police Service's response to criminal activity at the venue.
Pickering Casino Resort has been the location of several significant criminal incidents resulting in arrests and ongoing investigations by Durham Regional Police Service. These cases range from firearm possession charges to unsolved homicides, raising important questions about security at the entertainment complex and the broader implications for public safety in Durham Region.
The Pickering Casino Resort, situated at 888 Durham Live Avenue in Pickering, Ontario, represents one of the largest entertainment destinations in Durham Region. While the facility attracts thousands of visitors seeking gaming and hospitality services, it has also become the site of serious criminal activity requiring substantial law enforcement resources. Understanding the nature of these incidents, the police response, and the ongoing investigations provides critical context for residents, visitors, and stakeholders concerned about safety at the venue.
The most prominent cases involve firearm-related offenses and violent crimes, including the unsolved murder of a security guard. These incidents have prompted significant police action, including arrests, search warrants, and public appeals for information. The Durham Regional Police Service has dedicated considerable resources to investigating these crimes, working closely with casino management and hotel staff to identify suspects and gather evidence.
On May 4, 2025, Durham Regional Police responded to a critical incident at the Pickering Casino Hotel after staff discovered a firearm in one of the guest rooms. The discovery occurred at approximately 3:35 p.m., prompting immediate police involvement and launching an investigation that would result in criminal charges and an ongoing manhunt for a second suspect.
Hotel staff at the Pickering Casino Hotel made the initial discovery while performing routine duties in a guest room. Recognizing the serious nature of the find, they immediately contacted Durham Regional Police Service. West Division officers responded to the call and began identifying the individuals who had been staying in the room. The investigation quickly established that two suspects were registered guests at the hotel, leading to the development of a plan to apprehend them and secure the weapon.
Following the initial response, members of the West Division Criminal Investigative Branch obtained a Criminal Code search warrant. On May 5, 2025, at approximately 12:25 a.m., detectives executed the warrant. During the search, officers seized a M4A1 Carbine and a fully loaded magazine. The M4A1 Carbine is a military-style rifle, and its presence in a hotel room at a public entertainment venue represented a significant public safety concern.
One suspect was arrested at the scene without incident. However, a second male suspect was not located during the warrant execution and remains outstanding. Durham Regional Police indicated that a warrant for his arrest was being sought, and the investigation remained active.
Kenya Chambers, age 21, of Ajax, was arrested and charged with numerous serious firearms offenses. The charges included Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm Knowing It Is Unauthorized, Possess Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm, and Use/Handle/Store Firearm Carelessly. These charges reflect the severity of possessing a loaded military-style weapon in a public accommodation setting.
Chambers was held for a bail hearing, indicating that authorities considered her a flight risk or a danger to public safety. The case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in preventing illegal firearms from entering public spaces, even those with security measures like casino properties.
The most tragic incident associated with Pickering Casino Resort involves the unsolved murder of Michael Ferdinand, a 34-year-old security guard from Whitby who was fatally shot while on duty at the casino in October 2023. More than two years later, the case remains open, with police continuing to seek the suspect and offering substantial rewards for information.
On October 9, 2023, at approximately 5:00 a.m., Michael Ferdinand suffered multiple gunshot wounds while working as a security guard at Pickering Casino Resort. Despite emergency response efforts, Ferdinand died from his injuries. The shooting occurred during his shift, when he was performing his duties protecting the casino property and its patrons. The senseless nature of the attack shocked the community and left Ferdinand's family devastated.
Ferdinand was described by his wife and colleagues as a dedicated professional who loved his work and took pride in keeping others safe. His murder left a permanent void in the lives of his family members, coworkers, and friends who depended on him.
Durham Regional Police Service maintains specialized units dedicated to investigating serious crimes at commercial establishments. When incidents occur at Pickering Casino Resort, West Division officers respond immediately, followed by Criminal Investigative Branch detectives who conduct thorough investigations including search warrant execution and evidence collection.
The investigation process involves coordination between hotel staff, casino security personnel, and multiple police divisions. Officers utilize judicial authorizations, forensic analysis, and community outreach through Crime Stoppers to identify suspects and gather evidence. Cases involving firearms receive priority attention due to public safety implications.
Police identified the suspect as Tyjae Nosworthy-Smith, who was 17 years old at the time of the offense. Due to provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, suspects under 18 cannot typically be publicly identified. However, Durham Regional Police obtained judicial authorization to temporarily identify Nosworthy-Smith, now 20 years old, in an effort to locate him and bring him to justice.
The court order allowing public identification was granted until December 19, 2025, providing a limited window for police to leverage public awareness in their search. Detective Sergeant Erik Mamers, speaking at a December 15, 2025 news conference, emphasized that someone in the community possesses information that could lead to the suspect's apprehension.
Nosworthy-Smith is listed as having no fixed address, complicating efforts to locate him. He uses the alias Baby2 and has ties to the Driftwood area of North York, near Jane Street and Finch Avenue West, as well as connections to Brampton. Police believe he has not left the Greater Toronto Area.
Notably, the suspect maintains an active social media presence, posting music videos under his alias even after the fatal shooting. Detective Sergeant Mamers confirmed that police are aware of this activity and are taking steps with judicial authorizations to track him down. However, he noted that once content is posted online, investigators are working with information that is already behind the timeline of the suspect's actual location.
On December 15, 2025, Durham Regional Police announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Nosworthy-Smith. This substantial reward reflects the seriousness of the crime and the determination of law enforcement to solve the case.
At the same news conference, Ferdinand's wife, Mara Abolins, made an emotional appeal to the public. She noted that the family was facing their third Christmas without Michael and that no justice had been served. Abolins appealed directly to those protecting the suspect, asking them to remember that her husband lost his life and that the family is living with an irreparable loss. She emphasized that the appeal came not from anger but from a need for truth and accountability.
The multiple serious incidents at Pickering Casino Resort raise important questions about security protocols at the facility. While casinos typically maintain robust security measures including surveillance systems, security personnel, and access controls, the presence of firearms and the occurrence of violent crimes indicate potential vulnerabilities.
The May 2025 firearm discovery by hotel staff demonstrates that routine housekeeping and maintenance procedures can serve as an additional layer of security. However, the fact that a loaded military-style rifle was brought into a hotel room suggests gaps in screening processes or detection capabilities.
The murder of a security guard while on duty represents the most serious security failure, as it demonstrates that even trained security personnel can become victims of violence at the facility. This incident has likely prompted reviews of security protocols, staffing levels, and emergency response procedures.
Durham Regional Police Service has demonstrated a comprehensive and sustained response to criminal activity at Pickering Casino Resort. The West Division maintains primary jurisdiction over the area, with Criminal Investigative Branch detectives handling complex cases requiring specialized expertise.
Police have utilized multiple investigative tools including search warrants, forensic analysis, judicial authorizations for suspect identification, and community outreach through Crime Stoppers. The willingness to offer substantial rewards and hold public news conferences demonstrates the priority placed on solving these cases.
The collaboration between police and casino staff has been essential in both the firearm seizure case and the ongoing murder investigation. Hotel and security personnel serve as the eyes and ears on the ground, reporting suspicious activity and preserving evidence until officers arrive.
These incidents have significant implications for community confidence in the safety of Pickering Casino Resort and the broader Durham Live entertainment district. Families and individuals visiting the casino for entertainment expect a secure environment, and high-profile crimes can deter patronage and damage the venue's reputation.
The unsolved nature of the Ferdinand murder, in particular, creates ongoing anxiety. The fact that a suspect remains at large more than two years after the crime raises questions about whether adequate progress is being made and whether visitors face continued risk.
Community members can contribute to public safety by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity to police. The Crime Stoppers program offers anonymity and potential cash rewards for tips that lead to arrests, providing a mechanism for concerned citizens to assist investigations without personal risk.
Arrests and criminal investigations at Pickering Casino Resort reflect both the challenges of maintaining security at large entertainment venues and the dedication of law enforcement to addressing serious crimes. The May 2025 firearm seizure resulted in charges against one suspect while another remains outstanding. More significantly, the unsolved murder of security guard Michael Ferdinand continues to demand justice, with police offering substantial rewards and making public appeals for information about suspect Tyjae Nosworthy-Smith.
These cases underscore the importance of collaboration between casino management, security personnel, and law enforcement agencies. They also highlight the role that community members can play in solving crimes by providing information to police. As investigations continue, the focus remains on apprehending outstanding suspects, ensuring public safety, and providing closure to victims and their families.
The most notable arrests include Kenya Chambers, age 21 of Ajax, who was charged in May 2025 with multiple firearms offenses after a loaded M4A1 Carbine was found in a hotel room. Additionally, police are seeking Tyjae Nosworthy-Smith in connection with the 2023 murder of security guard Michael Ferdinand.
Yes, Durham Regional Police announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of suspect Tyjae Nosworthy-Smith. Tips can be provided anonymously through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Tyjae Nosworthy-Smith is the suspect wanted in connection with the October 2023 fatal shooting of security guard Michael Ferdinand at Pickering Casino Resort. He was 17 at the time of the offense and is now 20 years old. He uses the alias Baby2 and has ties to North York and Brampton.
Durham Regional Police seized a M4A1 Carbine and a fully loaded magazine during the execution of a search warrant on May 5, 2025. The M4A1 is a military-style carbine rifle.
Information can be reported to Durham Regional Police Service by calling 1-888-579-1520. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca, with potential eligibility for cash rewards.
While serious incidents have occurred at the venue, Pickering Casino Resort maintains security personnel and works closely with Durham Regional Police. Visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to security or police immediately.
Collaborative efforts between police services and community organizations to maintain public safety
Durham Regional Police seized a loaded M4A1 Carbine from a hotel room in May 2025, leading to charges against Kenya Chambers of Ajax and an ongoing search for a second suspect.
The unsolved 2023 murder of Pickering Casino security guard Michael Ferdinand remains under active investigation with a $25,000 reward offered for information leading to the arrest of suspect Tyjae Nosworthy-Smith.
Durham Regional Police announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Tyjae Nosworthy-Smith in the 2023 murder of security guard Michael Ferdinand.
Police seized a loaded M4A1 Carbine from a Pickering Casino Hotel room, resulting in charges against Kenya Chambers and an ongoing search for a second suspect.
Mara Abolins, wife of murdered security guard Michael Ferdinand, appealed to the public for assistance as the family faces their third Christmas without justice.