After more than three weeks on the lam, a 22-year-old London man has been arrested and charged in connection to a convenience store attack that left a man clinging on to life.

London police confirm that Waterloo Regional Police arrested Jessie Aaron McConnell Monday, who's charged with one count of aggravated assault.

Police initially released a warrant after Rajaie Elshorafa, 56, was attacked outside of his Horton Variety store on Oct. 21.

He was listed in critical condition at the London Health Sciences Centre for about two weeks. His condition stabilized last week as it was upgraded to 'fair.'

McConnell was transported back to London, where he's scheduled to appear in court.

Rajaie Elshorafa, 56, was in critical condition for two weeks after being attacked Oct. 21, 2017, outside his business, Horton Variety. (Supplied photo)

Community support

An outpour of community supporters joined forces in a benefit concert for the victim this month that raised between $5,000 to $10,000.



Yasser Ali, who works at Shelby's Food Express across the street from the store, came to Elshorafa's rescue when he saw the commotion a few weeks ago. He helped raise more than $10,000 through an online fund to help Elshorafa's family.

"It's good now that everybody can kind of rest and focus on him recovering," he said. "It's really amazing how the London community came together for this one cause because it just shows that London has a sweet heart."

Suspect

CBC learned that McConnell is no stranger to the justice system, as court documents show he began getting in trouble with the law in 2015 — when he pleaded guilty to uttering threats and damaging property.

In 2016, McConnell faced a slew of charges for failing to comply with his bail conditions. He pleaded guilty.

He was recently charged with possessing meth and trying to buy sex — in which he pleaded guilty for.

It's unclear if he spent time behind bars.