FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, February 22, 2017  2:07 pm

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit is investigating two overnight retail robberies that resulted in the arrests of two suspects.

On February 21, 2017, at approximately 8:40 pm, a lone suspect, disguised, entered a convenience store situated along the 400 block of Moodie Drive. The suspect demanded cash and lottery tickets, and fled with an undisclosed quantity of both. The suspect fled to a waiting vehicle and driver.

A short time later, at approximately 9:00 pm, a lone suspect, disguised, entered a gas station situated along the 1800 block of Robertson Road. The suspect demanded cash. The suspect fled to a waiting vehicle and driver with an undisclosed quantity of cash.

At approximately 11:45 pm, the two suspects were located in a vehicle. One suspect was arrested without incident following a short vehicle and foot pursuit. The second suspect was arrested in the vehicle without incident.

Kodi WARDEN, age 26, and Jonathan JAMPIES, age 25, both of Ottawa, are jointly charged with the following offences:

*       Two (2) counts of robbery

*       Two (2) counts of conspiracy

Mr. WARDEN is additionally charged with the following offences:

*       Failure to stop for police

*       Wearing a disguise

Mr. JAMPIES is additionally charged with wearing a disguise.

Both suspects will appear in court on February 22, 2017.

Robbery investigators will be reviewing other open robbery investigations over the next several days for potential linkages.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery, these suspects, or any robbery, is asked to call the Ottawa Police's 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 by downloading the Ottawa Police app.

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CONTACT:

S/Sgt. Michael Haarbosch

Robbery/Break & Enter Units

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5445

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, February 22, 2017    2:50pm    

(Ottawa)— The Robbery Unit has laid additional charges stemming from the arrest of James Simpson in relation to a February 17, 2017 robbery.  

James Simpson, age 31 of Ottawa, has been additionally charged in relation to the following robberies: 

• January 23, 2017-Convenience store-200 block of Brittany Dr
• February 6, 2017-Convenience store-400 block of MacArthur Ave
• February 11, 2017-Grocery store-800 block of Montreal Rd
• February 12, 2017-Convenience Store--500 block of Montreal Rd 

In each instance a lone male entered the premises, armed with an imitation firearm, and demanded cash and in some instances also lottery tickets. There were no injuries in any of the robberies. 

Additional Charges: 

• Four (4) counts of robbery
• Four (4) counts of possession of a weapon
• Four (4) counts of use imitation firearm in the commission of an indictable offence
• Four (4) counts of wear disguise 

His next court appearance is February 23, 2017. 

Anyone with information regarding this robbery, these suspects, or any robbery, is asked to call the Ottawa Police's 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 by downloading the Ottawa Police app.

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CONTACT: 

S/Sgt. Michael Haarbosch

Robbery/Break & Enter Units

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5445

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Saturday, February 18, 2017 1:10 pm 

Update:  Charges laid in robbery investigation

(Ottawa) — The Robbery Unit has today charged one male in connection to this investigation. 

James Simpson, age 31 of Ottawa, has been charged with the following offences: 

*       Robbery

*       Possession of a weapon

*       Use imitation firearm in commission of an indictable offence

*       Wearing a disguise

*       Resisting arrest 

Mr. Simpson appeared in court earlier today and was held in custody. His next court appearance is February 24, 2017. 

Robbery investigators will be reviewing other open robbery investigations over the next several days for potential linkages. 

Anyone with information regarding this robbery, or any robbery, is asked to call the Ottawa Police's 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 by downloading the Ottawa Police app. 

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CONTACT:

S/Sgt. Michael Haarbosch

Robbery/Break & Enter Units

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5445

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 17, 2017        9:11pm 

Suspect arrested for armed robbery on St. Laurent Boulevard  

(Ottawa) — On Friday, February 17th, 2017 at approximately 6:15pm, officers attended the 1000 block of St. Laurent Boulevard, in response to an armed robbery that had just occurred at that location. Officers spotted the suspect near the scene and were able to apprehend the male without serious incident. A 31 year old male was taken into police custody and is being held pending further investigation. The weapon he used in the commission of the offence was also recovered. 

Anyone who may be able to provide more information in relation to this incident are urged to contact the Robbery Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5116, or by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or by downloading the Ottawa Police app. 

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CONTACT:

Central Duty Staff Desk

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5212

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 23, 2017 2 pm

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Guns & Gangs Unit has charged a local man with several firearms offences.

On February 22, 2017, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in the 500 block of Pocono Crescent. Officers were able to seize a loaded handgun, marijuana and cocaine.

As a result Austin HUNTE, 21 years old, was arrested and charged with the following:

*       Careless storage of a firearm

*       Unauthorized possession of a firearm

*       Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized

*       Possession of a loaded firearm

*       Failure to comply with recognizance of bail x 4

*       Failure to comply with probation order x 2

*       Possession of a schedule I substance x 2

*       Possession of a schedule II substance for the purpose of trafficking

HUNTE is to appear in court today.  

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CONTACT: 

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 23, 2017     4:25 pm

(Ottawa) – In late November 2016, a member of the National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre (NCECC) conducted a proactive covert online child exploitation investigation in a publicly available chat room. This chat room was a well-known area for child exploitation offenders to encounter vulnerable children for a sexual purpose.

 In late January 2017 the Ottawa Police Ice Unit (ICE) received a report from Google indicating a person using the same email address had uploaded images of child pornography.

A subsequent production order obtained by ICE resolved to an address on Banner Road, in the West end of Ottawa.

On today's date, a search warrant was executed at the residence by members of NCECC and ICE. An onsite preview of digital devices identified a collection of toddler to pubescent images of children being sexually abused.

Alain COURCHESNE, 59 years old of Ottawa, has been charged with:

*       3 x Possession Child Pornography s. 163.1(4) of the Criminal Code

*       1 x Luring a Child s. 172.1(1)(b) of the Criminal Code

*       2 x Distribution of Child Pornography s. 163.1(3) of the Criminal Code

*       1 x Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child s. 171.1(1)(b) of the Criminal Code

COURCHESNE will appear at show cause court on Friday, February 24, 2017

It is believed that the suspect has been online for a length of time attempting to lure children.

COURCHESNE used the handle of "bi daddy" and email address gastoncourchesne@gmail.com.

Anyone wishing to come forward with a complaint is asked to call Sgt. Maureen Bryden of the Ottawa Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5466.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS), toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or downloading the Ottawa Police app.

The Ottawa Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to protect children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet.  This Project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

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CONTACT: Media Relations Section             
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366
@OttawaPolice 
facebook.com/OttawaPoliceService    
instagram.com/ottawapolice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Monday February 27, 2017    10:45 am

(Ottawa) – Join Us-We’re Recruiting!

The Ottawa Police Service is recruiting and wants to reflect the diversity of our community. Interested applicants are invited to attend an Information Session for women only on Thursday March 9, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, to learn more about career opportunities in policing and to meet the Ottawa Police Service Recruitment Team. Registration is not required.

WHERE:       Chambers, Ben Franklin Place

                        101 Centrepointe Drive

TIME:            6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

For further information, please visit our website at www.ottawapolice.ca    

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CONTACT:

Cst. Sue Wright

Outreach and Recruitment Section

Telephone: 613-236-1222 ext. 5885

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 28, 2017,  9:11 am

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service would like to advise that Mr Donoghue has been located safe and sound.

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CONTACT: 

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 28, 2017, 2 h 15 am

70 year old man missing

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service is seeking the assistance of the community in locating Mr Rodney Donoghue, who is 70 years old and suffers from dementia and diabetes.

Mr. Donoghue was last seen at approximately 3 PM on the 27th of February 2017 at his place of residence at 1370 Bank St, the Billingswood Manor.

Mr. Donoghue is an elderly white male, approximately 5'8" (173 cm) tall with a medium build and balding, silver hair. Notably, Mr Donghue is missing several fingers on both of his hands. His photo is attached.

If any member of the public locates Mr. Donoghue, please call the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222, or the Billingswood Manor at 613-731-8448. If you have information that could assist investigators, but do not know where he currently is, please contact the Missing Persons Unit 613-236-1222, ext. 2355, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police app.

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CONTACT: 

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, February 28, 2017   1:45 pm 

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Break & Enter Unit is investigating a January break & enter to a fast food restaurant and is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the suspects responsible.

On January 22, 2017, at approximately 11:50 pm, two suspects attended a fast food restaurant situated along the 1100 block of Cobden Road. The suspects gained entry by smashing a window. The suspects fled the premises empty-handed.

The suspects are described as follows:

Suspect #1 - Male, medium build, dark pants, white bandana over his face, wearing a zip up hooded jacket with large dark stripe through the middle (images attached.)

Suspect #2 -Possibly a female, slim build, blue jeans, dark boots, blue hooded shirt under a camouflage pattern jacket, black gloves (images attached.)

Anyone with information regarding this break & enter, or any other break & enter, is asked to call the Ottawa Police's Break & Enter Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 2655. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police app.

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CONTACT: 

S/Sgt. Michael Haarbosch

Robbery/Break & Enter Units

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5445 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 1, 2017                 7:45 am           

(Ottawa)— The Ottawa Police Service will be hosting an Information Session and PREP Test workshop on the OACP Constable Selection Process for both men and women interested in a policing career on Saturday, March 11, 2017.  

The session is designed to educate potential candidates about the Constable Selection Process. The practice sessions will also give the participants an opportunity to see if they can meet the physical requirements of the job.

The March 11^th session will be held between 9:00am to 2:00pm at Algonquin College Woodroffe Campus, P building, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue, in Ottawa.

Gym attire is required. If you are 45 years of age or older, a PARMED X will be required by your doctor.

In order to attend the session, you must pre-register online via survey monkey as space is limited.  Registration for this workshop has now commenced.

Please note you will need to receive a confirmation e-mail prior to attending the session.

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CONTACT: 

Const. Mark Miller

Outreach Recruitment and Resourcing

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 4171       

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:     Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Ottawa – The Gatineau Police Service and Ottawa Police Service’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) will focus on distracted driving and speeding during the month of March.

Distracted Driving:

Between 2011 and 2015, there were 26,860 collisions resulting in 5,761 injuries and 18 fatalities.

Speeding:

Between 2011 and 2015, there were 15,850 collisions resulting in 3,759 injuries and 54 fatalities.

The Safer Roads Ottawa Program is a leading community partnership between Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Paramedic Service, Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Public Health and the Public Works Department committed to preventing or eliminating road deaths and serious injuries for all people in the City of Ottawa, through culture change, community engagement, and development of a sustainable safe transportation environment.

Also participating in the Safer Roads Ottawa Program are the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Sureté du Québec, Department of National Defence’s Military Police and Gatineau Police Service to improve road safety for all residents of the national capital region.

Ottawa residents have identified traffic safety as a top priority. The Safer Roads Ottawa Program is committed to using available resources to make Ottawa roads safer for residents.

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For more information:

Ottawa Police Media Relations

613-236-1222 ext. 5366

Gatineau Police Media Relations

819-243-2345 ext. 7666

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, February 28, 2017    10:00 a.m 

(Ottawa) – Starting next week, Ottawa Police Service will have transparent braille laminates available for officers to attach to their wallet ID badges.

“This is a great opportunity to enhance service to residents in our City,” said Sergeant Adam Coakley, who led the initiative. “With more than 8,000 residents in Ottawa who are blind or partially sighted, the braille sleeve makes it easier to confirm we are police officers when interacting with people who have vision loss.”

The overlay - placed on top of the officer’s wallet badge ID - will provide officers with the means to effectively identify themselves to a member of the public who is blind or partially sighted.  Each overlay indicates the rank of the officer and the main police phone number.

According to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), this initiative is unique in Canada and puts the Ottawa Police ahead of the pack in terms of accessibility.

“We commend the Ottawa Police Service for taking this initiative, which will allow people with vision loss to confirm that the person they are interacting with is, in fact, a police officer,” said Diane Bergeron, Executive Director, Strategic Relations and Engagement, CNIB. “People who are blind or partially sighted will no longer be worried that they may be talking with someone posing as an officer.”

The laminates are available to all OPS officers who deal with members of the public.

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 1^st, 2017   11:20 am

(Ottawa) — On Sunday February 26th, just before 10pm, patrol officers of the Ottawa Police Service attended a 4th floor apartment at 345 Clarence Street to check on the well-being of a male resident, Laurence WHEATCROFT (40 years), at the request of the family.

There was a strong chemical odour emanating from the apartment.

A follow-up with the family revealed that they also had concerns WHEATCROFT had previously tried to "cook" (manufacture) Crystal Meth (methamphetamines) and that may account for the chemical smell.

WHEATCROFT was apprehended and transported to hospital.

Ottawa Fire Services Hazmat attended the scene and confirmed there was no explosive hazard present from the apartment. The unit was ventilated and secured.

The Ottawa Police Service Drug Unit was granted a search warrant for the apartment.

With assistance from the OPP Clandestine Laboratory Response Team, OFD Hazmat and Ottawa Paramedic Services the Drug Unit investigators cleared the apartment of all chemicals. Samples were seized for further analysis by Health Canada.

Given the fact that the tenant maintained a hoarding lifestyle the disposal process was only completed Tuesday, Feb 28th, at approximately 1130pm.

WHEATCROFT was held in custody on charges of unlawfully producing a schedule 1 substance contrary to CDSA 7(1) and possessing chemicals/substances to be used to produce a schedule 1 substance contrary to CDSA 7.1 (2).

Anyone with information regarding drug complaints is encouraged to contact the Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222 ext. 7300. Reports can be made online at Ottawapolice.ca. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police app.

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CONTACT: 

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday March 3, 2017              10:40 am 

(Ottawa)—The Ottawa Police Service will be hosting an Information Session and PREP Test workshop on the OACP Constable Selection Process for women interested in a policing career.  

The session is designed to educate potential candidates about the Constable Selection Process. The practice sessions will also give the participants an opportunity to see if they can meet the physical requirements of the job.

The Saturday, March 18, 2017 session will be held between 9:00am to 2:00pm at Algonquin College Woodroffe Campus, P building, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue, in Ottawa.

Gym attire is required. If you are 45 years of age or older, a PARMED X will be required by your doctor.

In order to attend the session, you must pre register online via survey monkey as space is limited.  Registration for this workshop has now commenced.

Please note you will need to receive a confirmation e-mail prior to attending.

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CONTACT: 

Const. Jennifer Froh or Const. Mark Miller

Outreach Recruitment and Resourcing

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5070 or ext. 4171

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 3, 2017  1 pm 

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit is investigating the overnight robbery of a retail store and charges have been laid following a number of arrests.

At approximately 6:50 pm, two suspects, disguised, entered a retail store situated along the 500 block of Montreal Road. One suspect was armed with a knife, and the second with a form of pepper spray. Two employees/victims were sprayed with the substance and later bound. The suspects made off with an undisclosed quantity of cellular phones and fled to a waiting vehicle.  Frontline personnel located the vehicle a short time later at which time five (5) persons were arrested. During the investigation that followed, two (2) additional persons were arrested. The stolen property was recovered at the time of arrest. The two victims were treated at the scene by EMS.

Seven (7) persons have been charged:

Alden KOUSSOU-age 28 of Laval

Abdias MONGARD-age 34 of Montreal

Kajal PATEL (F)-age 22 of Ottawa

Iham RAHMAN-age 27 of Ottawa

Niloy FARUQ-age 25 of Ottawa

Cieam KABIR-age 21 of Laval

Viergela BEAUBRUN (F)-age 35 of Montreal

All seven suspects have been jointly charged with two (2) counts of robbery and a single count of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. All seven will appear in court on March 3, 2017.

The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are pending.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery, these suspects, or any robbery, is asked to call the Ottawa Police's 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 by downloading the Ottawa Police app.

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CONTACT: 

S/Sgt. Michael Haarbosch

Robbery/Break & Enter Units

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5445 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 3, 2017             1:35 pm.    

(Ottawa)— The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit is investigating the recent robberies of two convenience stores and is seeking the public’s assistance to identify the suspect responsible.

On January 12, 2017, at approximately 12:35 am, a lone male suspect entered a convenience store situated along the 1300 block of Richmond Rd. The suspect demanded money and fled with an undisclosed quantity of cash. There were no injuries.  

On the same date, at 2:40 am, a lone male suspect entered a convenience store situated along the 0-100 block of Tartan Dr. The suspect indicated it was a robbery and demanded money.  The suspect fled with an undisclosed quantity of cash. There were no injuries.  

The suspect is described as male, with a dark complexion, 25-30 years, medium height and build (video and images attached).   

As a result of the investigation that has followed, investigators placed the suspect at an apartment building on Regina St., approximately 35 minutes before the first robbery.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery, or any robbery, is asked to call the Ottawa Police's 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 by downloading the Ottawa Police app.

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CONTACT: 

S/Sgt. Michael Haarbosch

Robbery/Break & Enter Units

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5445 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Saturday, March 4th, 2017   09:00

(Ottawa) – On March 3rd, 2017, at 9:46 PM, the Ottawa Police responded to a 911 call on Proulx Drive in Orleans. Upon arrival, police discovered a 53 year old male with several stab wounds to the chest. A female was also located with non-stab related injuries. Both the male and female were transported to hospital.

A 19 year old male was arrested a short distance away from the scene in connection to the incident and is currently in police custody. He has been charged with numerous offences, including: attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, assault, uttering threats, and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace.

The police are not seeking any other suspects in relation to the incident.

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sunday, March 5, 2017      1:40 pm

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse (SACA) Section has charged an Ottawa man, following an investigation into an allegation of Sexual Assault.

On March 4th, 2017, a young girl was with her mother and entered a store in the 2100 block of Carling Avenue in Ottawa. While inside the store, she was inappropriately touched by a male customer. The girl's mother called 911 and an investigation was commenced by the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit of the Ottawa Police.

On March 5th, 2017, Jacques MALLETTE, 65 years old, of Ottawa, was charged with one count of Sexual Assault and one count of Sexual Interference. He will appear in court tomorrow.

Sexual Assault and Child Abuse investigators are concerned there could be other victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or by downloading the Ottawa Police app.

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CONTACT: 

Media Relations Office

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 6, 2017           3:10pm 

Earlier today we learned that the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) laid charges under the Criminal Code against a member of the Ottawa Police Service in relation to the death of Abdirahman Abdi.

I am not permitted to comment on details with respect to SIU investigations and the ensuing criminal process. It is important that we remain patient and respectful of the judicial process that is now underway.

What I can say is that the officer involved, like any member of the community going through a similar process, deserves to be treated fairly. 

I know that the death of Mr. Abdi has been very difficult on his family and our entire community. 

We continue to work with the community to build on relationships of trust and confidence. 

Mr. Abdi’s death has also been difficult for the membership of our police service.

Our members are professional and they care about this community. They respond to calls for service from the community with the goal of helping those involved. It is a difficult job and they have my support and the support of the Executive Command and all Senior Officers. 

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 6, 2017   7:51 am

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Break & Enter Unit is investigating two recent break-ins to a retail outlet and is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the suspects responsible.

On February 19, 2017, at approximately 5:15 am, two male suspects, disguised, gained entry to a commercial premise, situated along the 2100 block of Carling Avenue. Entry was gained by smashing a window. The suspects quickly grabbed a quantity of winter coats and fled the premises. A white panel van was used by the suspects and was later recovered by Police. The van had been stolen from Innes Rd in Blackburn Hamlet.

It is believed these suspects are related to a break & enter to the same location on February 16, when similar clothing items were targeted.

Anyone with information regarding this break & enter, or any other break & enter, is asked to call the Ottawa Police's Break & Enter Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 2655. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police app.

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CONTACT:

S/Sgt. Michael Haarbosch

Robbery/Break & Enter Units

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5445

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 7, 2017          5:30pm

(Ottawa) –In late November 2016, the National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre (NCECC) forwarded the Ottawa Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) 7 reports they had received from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipLine. 

These reports, submitted by Skype, indicated that an IP address in the Ottawa area was noted to have uploaded images of child sexual abuse. 

A subsequent Production Order obtained by ICE revealed the offending IP address to return to an address in the Nepean area. On today’s date a search warrant was executed where images of child sexual abuse were located on digital devices. 

Chad WAITE, 23 of Ottawa, is charged with: 

• Make Available Child Pornography x 1
• Possession Child Pornography x 2
• Access Child Pornography x 1 

WAITE will appear at show cause court on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 

The Ottawa Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to protect children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet.  This Project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 8, 2017     10:10am 

 (Ottawa) –The Ottawa Police Service Organized Auto Theft Section has charged two individuals involved in the trafficking of stolen vehicles. 

In October of 2016, Investigators for the Organized Auto Theft Section launched an investigation into the trafficking of stolen vehicles in the city’s west end. Agencies involved in the “Project Heisenberg” with the Ottawa Police were the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, Service Ontario, Insurance Bureau of Canada, and the Canada Border Services Agency.  

The investigation revealed that the accused were in possession of, and had sold stolen vehicles.  Buyers were told that the vehicles had no warranty, as they were test models or gift vehicles from manufacturers. These stolen vehicles were sold for a substantial discount using fraudulent bills of sale from legitimate out of province dealers. All vehicles had their true identity disguised and were fraudulently registered in Ontario.   

The combined value of all vehicles seized exceeds half a million dollars. 

Seized stolen re-vinned vehicles:

• 2016 Ford F-250 Lariat King Ranch
• 2016 Ford F-250 Lariat
• 2016 Toyota 4Runner Limited
• 2015 Toyota 4Runner Limited
• 2016 GMC Sierra Denali 2500 HD Duramax
• 2015 GMC Sierra Denali 2500 HD Duramax 

Ferry Emile CAVE, 42 of Carleton Place, is charged with:

• Launder Proceeds of Canadian Crime x 5
• Traffic in Property obtained by crime exceeding $5000 x 4
• Possession of Property obtained by crime exceeding $5000 x 1
• Utter Forged documents x 10 

Rodrigue LEONARD, 53 of Ottawa, is charged with:

• Launder Proceeds of Canadian Crime x 1
• Possession of Property obtained by crime exceeding $5000 x 1
• Utter Forged documents x 8 

The investigation is ongoing. The Organized Auto Theft section would like to remind the public that it is truly buyer beware. Purchasing a vehicle through an Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) dealer, consumers enjoy a level of protection relating to the transaction. The benefits of purchasing from an OMVIC dealer are well documented on the OMVIC website. However, if you choose to purchase a vehicle from a private seller, OMVIC offers tips for buying a car privately. 

If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Know that if you are found to be in possession of a stolen vehicle, it will be seized as stolen property by the police and returned to its rightful owner. The seizure of a vehicle can often create a second victim. In cases involving the unwitting purchase of a stolen vehicle, the purchaser is deprived of the vehicle and the monies paid for it, once the police or other law enforcement agency seizes the vehicle.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call Ottawa Police's Organized Auto Theft Section at 613-236-1222, ext. 3766. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police app. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366