Bystander assaulted during cell phone dispute in downtown Oshawa

An Oshawa man is in custody after pulling a knife during a dispute over a cell phone and then assaulting a woman who had intervened, police in Durham Region say.

Officers were called to downtown Saturday morning Oshawa for an armed person call at Simcoe Street and King Street.  Two men were arguing over a cell phone when police say the suspect brandished a knife and assaulted an unrelated woman when she attempted to stop the dispute. Several bystanders intervened and held the man until police arrived and were able to take him into custody.

The victim sustained minor injuries.

Faraz Mubashar, 41, has been charged with assault, assault with a weapon, weapons dangerous and fail to comply with release order.

He was held for a bail hearing.

At the time of the incident Mubashar was on weapons prohibition conditions.

Anyone with cellphone, dashcam, surveillance footage or information about this incident is asked to contact Cst. Mitchell of Central East Division 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1701.