Man charged with attempted murder in random stabbing 12 days after being released on bail, Edmonton police say
Posted July 31, 2025 12:56 pm.
Last Updated July 31, 2025 12:58 pm.
A man who was out on bail after allegedly injuring three people, including a child, while reportedly driving impaired last year is now facing an attempted murder charge stemming from a series of incidents in northwest Edmonton earlier this month.
The Edmonton Police Service alleges the accused was driving a stolen white sedan on the evening of July 16 when he hit a cyclist at 123 Avenue and 90 Street before fleeing the scene. The 59-year-old cyclist was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Police say minutes later, the suspect stabbed a 40-year-old man several times with an edged weapon at 132 Avenue and 83 Street before leaving the scene in the same stolen sedan. The stabbing victim was taken to hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries and later upgraded to stable, according to police.
Authorities say they arrested the driver in the early hours of July 17. They claim he did not know any of the victims.
Cody Slade Desjarlais, 32, is facing more than a dozen charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault and theft of a motor vehicle. Those allegations have not been tested in court.
Edmonton police say Desjarlais had been released on bail 12 days earlier. He had been in police custody following an Oct. 20, 2024, collision in northeast Edmonton that injured two women and a child. Desjarlais was facing 27 charges stemming from that collision at 132 Avenue and 82 Street, including impaired operation causing bodily harm.
Police allege the accused was speeding in a stolen vehicle when he ran a red light and struck another vehicle.
Desjarlais is currently in police custody.
