FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 6, 2020    1:40pm 

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit is looking for assistance from the public in identifying a male suspect involved in a commercial armed robbery in the 100 block of Centrepointe Drive. 

On Wednesday, February 04, 2020, shortly after 12:50pm, a male suspect, wearing a disguise, entered a business, approached an employee, pointed a gun and demanded money. The suspect then fled the area. No one was injured. 

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male with a deep voice, 5’9” to 5’11” (175-180cm) with a medium build.  He was wearing a red or orange sweater, hooded camouflage vest, blue jeans with no belt, black and white Nike running shoes with white soles, a black mask/scarf covering his face, black sunglasses, black baseball cap (see photos). 

He was last seen getting behind the wheel of a grey Ford Flex with a white roof. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5116. 

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 6, 2020    2:42pm 

(Ottawa) –Yesterday, the Ottawa Police Service Street Crime Unit Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1-100 block of Southport Drive in the Greenboro neighborhoud. 

After seizing cocaine, cash and a conductive energy weapon (CEW), police arrested a man onsite.  

Kerry HOLDER, 23 years old, of Ottawa has been charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of proceeds of crime over $5000
• Possession of a prohibited weapon 

Items seized:

• Cocaine
• Canadian currency
• 2 cocaine presses
• Scales
• Conductive energy weapon (CEW), known as a taser 

HOLDER was released on a promise to appear in court at a future date.

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Friday, February 7, 2020            8:45am 

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Break and Enter Section is currently investigating a series of daytime residential Break and Enters in the areas of Kanata, Stittsville, Barrhaven and Orleans that have occurred over several days this week. 

This is a reminder to the public that if you are going to keep your valuables at home, store them in a proper safe, in a properly secured location. Use a location other than the bedroom or closet for your valuables.  

Signs that indicate that someone is in the home are also a deterrent. More home crime-proofing tips are available.

Anyone with information is asked to call Ottawa Police Break and Enter Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 4533.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

On January 28, officers on patrol in the east end were dispatched to a call about a woman who was intending to die by suicide. The call came from a concerned person who knew her.

Upon searching the residence, officers found clear evidence in her home of her plan to take her own life. In talking to the woman, emergency responders learned she hadn’t been taking her medication or eating.

The woman voluntarily went with paramedics and police to the hospital to be checked by doctors.

Fortunately, emergency services were able to assist her. If someone tells you they have suicidal thoughts, take them seriously and call for help.

For more information about mental health resources, go to: https://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/about-us/Mental-Health-Unit.aspx

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 7, 2020    12:40pm 

(Ottawa) – Yesterday, the Ottawa Police Drug Unit executed a search warrant in the 100 block of Heritage Maple Way as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

The investigation was commenced when Neighbourhood Resource Team (NRT) officers in Vanier received a number of public complaints about the address.

Cocaine, crack cocaine and Canadian currency were seized and four people were arrested and jointly charged with two counts of Possession of a Schedule I substance for trafficking:

• Denis LOGUISTO, 33 years old of Ottawa; 
• Benjamin GRENIER, 44 years old, of Ottawa;
• Richard BORDEN 55 years old of Ottawa; and
• Tammy GUIGUE, 41 years old, of Ottawa.

LOGUISTO has also been charged with Possession of Proceeds of Crime under $5000.

All four were released on Promises to Appear at court on a later date.

The Neighbourhood Resource Team (NRT) assigned to Vanier will continue to be present in the area to engage and address community concerns and to work with landlords. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 7, 2020    12:50pm 

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit has charged an Ottawa resident with various human trafficking charges following an investigation.

A survivor in this matter was identified to the Human Trafficking Unit in the fall of 2019 and an investigation was commenced.

On February 5, 2020, the wanted male was located in Windsor. The Windsor Police Morality Unit arrested the male without incident. Human Trafficking investigators worked collaboratively with the Windsor Police to locate, arrest and transport the accused back to Ottawa.

Rahiem GEDDES, 23 years old, of Ottawa is charged with: 

• Procuring person under the age 18yrs, per 286.3(2) CCC
• Permit person under the age of 18yrs on premise for prohibited sexual activity, per 171 CCC
• Proceeds of Crime over $5000, per 354 (1) CCC
• Material Benefit from sexual services provided by a person under the age of 18yrs, per 286.2(2) CCC
• Material Benefit, per 286.2(1) CCC
• Breach of Probation x2, per 733.1 (1) CCC
• Fail to comply with Undertaking, per 145(4)(a) CCC

 He has been held in custody and will be appearing in show cause court today.

“Our Human Trafficking investigative team worked in close collaboration with the Morality Unit of the Windsor Police Service to address the transient nature of these offences and those involved who attempt to avoid detection and arrests,” stated Sgt. Damien Laflamme, with the Ottawa Police Human Trafficking Unit. “Police agencies including local, provincial and national stakeholders continue to collaborate on criminal investigations to swiftly identify, locate and arrests predators.

“Our work also involves supporting survivors and providing best safety planning and exit strategies, recognizing that victims are forced into the sex trade through violence, manipulation, coercion and trickery,” added Sgt. Damien Laflamme. “We continue to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.”

The Human Trafficking Unit believes that there are further victims who have yet to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa Police Human Trafficking Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5005 or 1-800-292-1168. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police app. 

*Cybertip.ca is Canada’s national tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children. Cybertip.ca provides Canadians with information and resources to help keep families. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 7, 2020    1:45pm 

(Ottawa) – Yesterday, Frontline officers and Bikes and Beats made a series of arrests and drug seizures. 

At 11:25pm on February 5, 2020, a Frontline officer conducted a traffic stop for a possible suspended driver. While speaking with the driver, drugs were seen inside the vehicle and the driver was arrested. 

Bradley DESGENS, 36 years old, of Ottawa was charged with:

• Drive while suspended
• Fail to surrender permit
• Drive vehicle with cannabis in open packaging
• Possession of property obtained by crime
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking a schedule I substance x4
• Possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing
• Possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling 

He is scheduled to appear in court today. 

Drugs seized included crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, Fentanyl, MDMA and marijuana.  

Property seized included Canadian currency, digital scale, cell phone, butane torches and meth pipes. 

A call for service was received at 11:21am on February 6, 2020, in the 1-100 block of Claremont drive, from a landlord after the occupants of a home refused to leave and one of them brandished a knife. 

Frontline patrol officers located and arrested two people. They seized cocaine, Canadian currency, digital scale, 9 Cell phones. 

Investigators have charged Riham MOHAMMED (f), 20 years old of Ottawa has been charged with:

• Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
• Possess Proceeds of Crime Under $5,000 

Investigators have also charged John SALTER, 35 years old of Ottawa with: 

• Robbery with violence
• Possession of counterfeit money
• Possession of a weapon
• Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
• Possess Proceeds of Crime Under $5,000 

Both are scheduled to appear in court today.

At 5:00pm on February 6, 2020, Bikes and Beats officers arrested a man in the 200 block of Murray Street after observing drug trafficking activities. 

Shawn SATERLEY, 29 years old, of Ottawa was charged with:

• Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5,000
• Beach of Probation 

He is scheduled to appear in court today. 

Seized items included: Methamphetamine, Canadian currency, digital scale, cell phone. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

Our Emergency Services Unit (ESU) was recognized by @OPSChiefSloly for its commitment to the investigation into the disappearance and homicide of Ms. Susan Kuplu. Investigators determined that her body was placed in a commercial waste container that eventually ended up at a local landfill.

On January 26, 2019, the ESU was assigned the daunting task of searching the landfill site where it endured extreme winter weather conditions and a hazardous working environment. In total, ESU members sifted through 6,000 tons of household waste.

On February 17, 2019, after 18 days of searching, their perseverance and dedication resulted in the recovery of Ms. Kuplu’s body.

As a unit, the ESU was recognized with a Chief’s Commendation for its dedication, professionalism and resolve to find and ultimately return the body of Ms. Kuplu to her family for a proper burial.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, February 10, 2020     12:49pm 

(Ottawa)–On February 3^rd, a lone male suspect entered a business in the 700 block of Bank Street at 11:40pm.  He concealed a number of bottles of perfume and attempted to leave the store. He was confronted by a staff member at the door and he pulled out a knife.

The suspect left the premises on foot with an undisclosed amount of bottles. No injuries were reported.  

He has been described as a Caucasian male in his 20s, with short buzzed brown hair. He was wearing a dark grey/olive green ¾ length winter jacket with a blue interior, a dark shirt underneath and he was carrying a tan cross-body messenger bag (see photos).

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Ottawa Police Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5116.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or crimestoppers.ca.

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, February 10, 2020     1:50pm

(Ottawa) – At approximately 9:30pm on February 8^th, Frontline officers attended the area of Seyton Drive and Sonnet Crescent in response to a complaint of gunshots.   

Officers arrived on scene and located a male suffering from gunshot injuries. 

Ottawa Paramedics attended and transported the 34 year old male to a local hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators believe that this was a targeted incident. No arrest has been made at this time. 

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Ottawa Police Guns and Gangs Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5050.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or crimestoppers.ca. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

“I tell the kids in the schools I work with, the importance of what they choose to share on the internet. Once it’s sent you can’t take it back. The mistakes we make on the internet can affect us in the short-term, but also into the future. Our digital footprint can’t always be erased even when we delete things. It can affect getting a job or being accepted into a college or university. Parents, talk to your kids openly about staying safe on the internet. Talk about the consequences of the misuse of the internet and make sure they know you are there for them no matter what they do! In my career I’ve seen a few young girls being lured into human trafficking not knowing that this could happen to them. These are situations that can become very dangerous, leaving scars for life. The police are here to help and to protect your family if you ever find yourself in this situation.” ~ Constable Sarah Marcantonio, School Resource Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, February 11, 2020   11:25am 

(Ottawa) – On February 9^th, 2020, East Criminal Investigations Unit charged a man and a woman following the attempted theft of a high-end SUV.   

On Sunday, February 9th, at 6:15am, a man and a woman attempted to steal an SUV in the laneway of a residence in the 100 block of Stedman Street. They were interrupted during the theft by the homeowner and fled the scene in another vehicle. 

Frontline officers intercepted the getaway vehicle and engaged in a short pursuit. Police soon called it off for public safety reasons.   

Approximately an hour later, the OPP located the same suspect vehicle that has just been involved in a collision in Limoges. OPP arrested the occupants and they were transported to Ottawa Police. 

Two people have been charged by Ottawa Police, for attempted theft and possession of break and enter tools. 

Shainna FAUSTIN, 27 years old from Montreal was charged with:

• Attempt to commit an indictable offence
• Possession of break in instruments
• Breach of Undertaking
• Breach of Recognizance  x2
• Breach of Probation 

Moise DORVILIER, 21 years old of Montreal was charged with:

• Attempt to commit an indictable offence
• Possession of break in instruments 

Yesterday, DORVILIER was released on an Undertaking and FAUSTIN was held for show cause. 

This investigation continues and will possibly have further charges. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

They date from 2019 all the way back to the sixties and everywhere in between.

The Ottawa Police Service has 27 people reported missing by family or friends that have never been found.

“You feel bad for their families,” said Detective Linda Nethercott, “they want to know what happened to their loved one.”

Eleven women and sixteen men of different ages were reported missing under various circumstances. The youngest missing person was just 10 years old when he crept out of his bedroom window on the evening of February 5, 1981, never to be heard from again.

Most people who go missing are found within 7 days, but a small number aren’t.

In 2019, there were 1149 reports filed for missing adults over the age of 15 and 887 missing juveniles 15 and underin Ottawa.

Tara Sculptor is the only outstanding missing person from 2019. She was last seen on June 1, when it’s believed she was taking a bus from Ottawa to North Bay. The case is still open and will continue to be until it’s solved.

“Being placed on the historic missing persons list doesn’t mean you won’t be found,” said Detective Nethercott. “We’ve located people who have left the country, so it’s not impossible to find someone alive and well, even after years have passed.”

In 2019, Detective Nethercott located a woman missing since 1981. She left an abusive relationship and after her family had not heard from her for several years, in 2013 they went to police with the suspicion she’d been murdered. The case was investigated by the Ottawa Police Major Crime Section, who couldn’t find any evidence of foul play.

The case was assigned to Missing Persons. Detective Nethercott found the woman in another city in Ontario, who was surprised to learn she was the subject of a missing person file.

New legislation called the Missing Persons Act came into effect in 2019 which enables investigators to access records that were previously unavailable, because missing persons cases are not deemed criminal.

“Their families haven’t given up on them and we won’t either,” said Detective Nethercott. “We’ll keep searching, using whatever new information or technology becomes available.”

Check out our historic Missing Persons page and if you have information that can locate someone, contact Ottawa Police Service or Crime Stoppers Ottawa.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, February 12, 2020   8:00am 

 (Ottawa) –The Ottawa police Service is asking for the public’s assistance to locate missing Patrick Gauthier, 33 year old of Ottawa. 

He was last seen in the 3500 block of St Joseph blvd late last night.   Patrick was out walking a large bullmastiff dog, however the dog was later located.    His family is concerned for his safety. 

Patrick is described as a white man, 5’10” (178 cm), medium build, short blond hair, wearing steel toe boots, blue jeans, dark brown bomber jacket and a beige with green baseball cap. (view picture) 

If you have information that could assist investigators, but do not know where he is currently, please contact the Ottawa Police Missing Persons Unit 613-236-1222, ext. 2355 between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. 

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 14, 2020    11:37am 

 (Ottawa) –On Wednesday February 13, 2020, two commercial robberies were reported to Ottawa Police in quick succession that Robbery Unit investigators have linked to the same individual.  

The first incident occurred at 3:40pm at a retail store along the 1900 block of Blair Road.  The suspect entered the premises, made a gesture that suggested he was armed and then demanded cigarettes and cash from the clerk.  No property was turned over and the suspect fled the area in a taxi.  The clerk was not injured.  

The second incident occurred at 3:50pm at a financial institution along the 1600 block of Montreal Road.  The suspect approached the teller and made a demand for cash, again gesturing that he was in possession of a weapon and was prepared to use it.  An undisclosed amount of cash was turned over to him and he again left in the waiting taxi.  There were no reported injuries.  

Frontline officers located the suspect shortly thereafter, arrested him without incident and recovered some of the stolen property.

 Adam MAYNARD, 41 of Ottawa has been charged with:

• Attempted robbery
• Robbery
• Breach probation x2
• Fail to comply with release order 

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222, ext.5116.  Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or crimestoppers.ca. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

Always in a hurry? 

“It’s better to lose a minute in life than to lose your life in a minute,” says Sergeant Rob Cairns of the Ottawa Police Service Traffic Unit. 

The top four driving infractions of 2019 have police encouraging road users to slow down and put safety first when they commute:

1) Speeding took the top spot with almost 10,000 tickets handed out to lead-footers. “Drivers aren’t aware just how dangerous speeding can be,” says Sgt. Cairns. Even 10 kilometres over the speed limit can mean the difference between surviving and not for all involved parties.

 2) Distracted Driving (cell phones and other hand-held devices) continues to compromise road safety. Officers wrote just under 2,600 tickets last year. “Both are thinking tasks,” said Sgt. Cairns. “Your brain can’t do two things at once, which means if you’re texting, you aren’t focused on safe commuting.” A moment of inattention can mean the difference between safely avoiding an obstacle on the roadway and hitting someone.

3) Stop sign infractions resulted in close to 4,000 tickets to road users. “We get several complaints daily from residents about stop signs being disobeyed in their neighbourhood,” said Sgt. Cairns.

Properly stopping for three seconds gives you time to see everyone approaching the intersection and proceed when it is safe to do so.

4) Red light running accounted for over 1,400 tickets at $380 each.  Of note, the fine is the same for running a yellow light. “You’re putting yourself at risk as well as other road users when you try to get through the light after it turns yellow (or red). Play it safe. Stop and wait for the next light,” added Sgt Cairns.

“The fact is, we can hand out tickets to deter these behaviours,” concluded Staff Sergeant Marc-Andre Sheehy, who heads the Ottawa Police Service Traffic Unit, “but if each person made the decision to make safe commuting their priority, it would have a much bigger impact on road safety for everyone.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 14, 2020        2:18pm 

(Ottawa) – The Break and Enter Unit has been investigating a number of residential break and enters in the Vanier area. The investigations led to the same suspect, which they identified through investigative means.  

B&E investigators met with the Vanier Neighbourhood Resource Team (NRT) officers and briefed them on several ongoing investigations. The Team spent considerable time searching for the identified suspect. 

Through their tenacity and investigative skills, they were able to locate and arrest the male suspect without incident on February 13^th. 

Yvan LANCE, 52 years old of Ottawa, was charged with two counts of Breaking and Entering.    

The Break and Enter Unit continues to investigate and further charges will be laid. 

LANCE will attend show cause court today. 

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Ottawa Police Break and Enter Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 4533. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or crimestoppers.ca. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, February 18, 2020   12:50pm  

(Ottawa) – Frontline officers responded to a stabbing in the 200 block of Murray Street on Saturday, February 15, 2020. A 40 year old man suffered non-life threatening injuries. 

At 9:53pm, security officers working in the Murray Street area located a man that had been stabbed, provided first aid and called 911. The male suspect was no longer in the area when officers arrived. The victim was transported to hospital. 

The investigators were able to identify the suspect and he was subsequently arrested by Frontline officers on Sunday evening without incident. 

On February 16, 2020, the Ottawa Police Service Central Criminal Investigations Unit charged Sayed Abdul Wahab DADSHANI, 42 years old, of Ottawa with:

• Aggravated Assault
• Assault with a Weapon
• Possess Weapons Dangerous to public Peace 

DADSHANI appeared in court on February 17, 2020.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service Central Criminal Investigations Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5166. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, February 18, 2020    1:55 pm

(Ottawa) – Frontline officers responded to a commercial robbery in the 300 block of Shakespeare Street on Sunday, February 16, 2020. 

At approximately 11:50pm, a male suspect entered a convenience store, claimed to have had a gun and demanded cigarettes and money. He fled the store with cigarettes and an undisclosed amount of money. He kicked in the door to a nearby residence in an attempt to hide from police. 

Responding officers located the suspect and arrested him without incident. Officers also recovered the stolen cigarettes and money. 

The Robbery Unit has charged Joshua CORTEZ, 30 years old, of Ottawa with:

• Robbery
• Mischief  under $5000 x2
• Breach of a recognizance x2
• Breach of probation

He appeared in court on Monday, February 17, 2020. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, February 19, 2020    8:35am 

(Ottawa) –Yesterday, a Neighbourhood Resource Team (NRT) officer stopped a vehicle for a Highway Traffic Act infraction at the intersection of Walkley Road and Bank Street at approximately 1:30pm. 

Further investigation by the officer revealed that the driver was breaching conditions and he was arrested without incident. The search incident to arrest led to the seizure of a loaded handgun, a quantity of cocaine, drug packaging, cell phones and Canadian currency.

Ahmed HASSAN, 25 years old, of Ottawa has been charged with:

• Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
• Transports Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition
• Possession of a Weapon
• Possession of a Firearm, Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Obtained by Crime
• Possession of a Firearm Knowing in Possession is Unauthorized
• Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon
• Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
• Possession of a Scheduled  I substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000
• Fail to Comply with Conditions of Undertaking given by Officer in Charge

He is scheduled to appear in court today.

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366