FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 22, 2017    4:50pm 

 (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 of a 14 year old female. 

On Sunday, September 18, 2016, the Ottawa Police received information that a 14 year old girl had been contacted by a male on social media, he befriended the girl, and she was subsequently sexually assaulted by the male.  

On March 22, 2017, Brendon Wayne SPURRELL, 20 of Ottawa, was charged with Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference and Child Luring.  

He will appear in court tomorrow morning March 23, 2017. 

Sexual Assault and Child Abuse investigators are concerned there could be other victims. The accused used a number of alias’ including Eric GALLOWAY, and Zane O’CONNOR. 

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 downloading the Ottawa Police app. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 23, 2017      2:35pm 

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit has charged an Ottawa man with firearm-related offences and drug-related offences. 

On Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at approximately 12:00pm (noon), frontline officers attended 1-100 block of Glen Avenue to investigate information of a male possibly in possession of a gun.  During the investigation with the male, a search warrant was executed later in the day at the residence on Glen Avenue by the Guns and Gangs Unit investigators. 

Investigators seized a bulletproof vest, a handgun, 22 calibre rounds (ammunition), and 1 gram of MDMA.   

Michael SPIKA, 20 of Ottawa is charged with:

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Possession of a dangerous weapon
• Possession of Drugs, Schedule I
• Breach of undertaking / recognizance 

SPIKA was in show cause court today, March 23, 2017. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 23, 2017     6:25pm 

(Ottawa)— The Ottawa Police Service is asking for public assistance to locate missing Samuel “Evie” Marincak, 17 years old, of Ottawa.  Samuel Evie’s family is concerned for their child’s well-being. 

Samuel Evie was last seen the morning of March 20^th in the area of Stittsville, Ontario.

Samuel Evie is described as Caucasian, 5'11” (180cm), 170lbs (77kg), thin build, with blue eyes and dirty blonde hair with long hair on one side and shaved head on the other.  Samuel Evie was last seen wearing a black hoodie underneath a black bomber style leather jacket, with tan large lapels, white pants, with red high top casual shoes.

If you know where Samuel “Evie” currently is, please immediately contact Ottawa Police Dispatch at 613-230-6211.  If you have information that could assist investigators, but do not know where this youth is currently, please contact the Missing Persons Unit 613-236-1222, ext. 2355 between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, daily.  

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: Thursday, March 23, 2017   6:58 pm

(Ottawa) – In late February 2017 a member of the Ottawa Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) was conducting a proactive investigation on a Peer to Peer (P2P) network. P2P is a commonly-used file sharing network for users to share files, including images and videos, of Child Pornography.

The ICE investigator identified an IP address located in the Ottawa area to be sharing over 2000 files of prepubescent children being sexually abused.

A search warrant was subsequently executed today on Cobourg Street in the Lower town area of Ottawa. Several laptops and external digital devices were forensically analyzed revealing an additional 32,000 files of suspected Child Pornography. This investigation is ongoing.

Richard Allen BOURNE, 59 years old, of Ottawa, is charged with:

*       1 Making Available Child Pornography s. 163.1(3) of the Criminal Code

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

He will appear at show cause court on Friday, March 24, 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: Friday, March 24, 2017     8:52 pm

(Ottawa)--The Ottawa Police Service is advising that missing person Daphnee Mercer was located earlier this evening. There is no foul play suspected.

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CONTACT:

Central Division Staff Sergeant's Desk                   
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5212
@OttawaPolice
facebook.com/OttawaPoliceService
instagram.com/ottawapolice

**********************************

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 24, 2017     2:00am

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service is currently requesting the assistance of the public to locate the following missing person, Mrs. Daphnee Mercer, age 37.

She is described as a white female approximately 5' 9" (175 cm) with a medium build, shoulder-length blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a dark green mid-length winter jacket, grey hat with a pompom and green shoes. Last seen in the area of Pretoria and Isabella Avenues around 8:00PM on Thursday, March 23, 2017. Her family is concerned for her well-being.  

If you know where Mrs. Mercer currently is, please immediately contact Ottawa Police Dispatch at 613-230-6211. If you have information that could assist investigators, but do not know where she is currently, please contact the Missing Persons Unit 613-236-1222, ext. 2355, between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, daily.  

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:

Central Division Staff Sergeant’s Desk

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5212

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 24^th, 2017         7:15 am

(Ottawa)— With students returning from March break, the Ottawa Police Traffic sections conducted city-wide proactive traffic enforcement blitzes in school zones. 

The week long enforcement campaign, which took place March 20^th– 24^th, focused on traffic safety in and around school zones.  In particular, officers looked for:

• speeding in school zones,
• failing to stop, failing to yield to pedestrians at school crossings,
• failing to obey crossing guards,
• failing to obey school bus signs,
• distracted driving.

As a result, a total of 504 Provincial Offence Notices were issued during this enforcement campaign. 

The Ottawa Police Service continues to remind drivers to be alert when driving; this especially applies in school zones.

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Contact: Cst. Jon Hall

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 3833

hallj@ottawapolice.ca

@TheBeardedCop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 24, 2017           12:53pm

(Ottawa)—The Ottawa Police Service is moving forward with the implementation of Regulated Interactions after completing the necessary training and technological components required by the provincial Regulation. 

In March 2016, the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services announced new Ontario Regulation 58/16 for Regulated Interactions, formerly known as street checks. The Regulation took effect on January 1, 2017 but the implementation was delayed while the Ottawa Police completed necessary requirements.

“A significant amount of work has been carried out by our Service to ensure compliance with the Regulation, especially in relation to provincially mandated training, data management processes and storage, auditing and reporting,” said Insp. Mark Patterson, Project Lead with the Ottawa Police Service. “Beginning March 28^th, only Ottawa Police officers who have taken the training will be permitted to utilize this important intelligence gathering tool.”

The Regulation provided direction for voluntary police-public interactions without bias or discrimination.  It also established rules for data collection, retention, access and management, training, and policy and procedures with audit and public reporting requirements.  

Members of the community are encouraged to visit ottawapolice.ca/regulatedinteractions to learn more about this type of interactions, when they apply and how data will be collected.

“As a Police Service, our priority continues to be community engagement built upon crime prevention and community safety initiatives while balancing the rights of individuals,” said Insp. Patterson.  

For more background on the Regulated Interactions Project, please visit ottawapolice.ca/regulatedinteractions.  

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Contact:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Monday, March 27, 2017

Ottawa – The Gatineau Police Service and Ottawa Police Service’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) focused on following too closely and stop sign violations during the month of January, resulting in 295 charges being laid against road users. STEP focused on vehicle occupant restraints and red light running during the month of February, resulting in 451 charges being laid against road users.

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.

For more information:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 28, 2017  8:20am 

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Central Investigations Unit has charged an Ottawa man with Assaulting police, as well as drug charges. 

On Sunday, March 26, 2017 at approximately 11:45am, two officers were conducting proactive policing in the area of the 100 block of George Street when they noticed a male suspect administering drugs into a pipe in order to inhale, in a nearby parking lot. The male was arrested without incident and drugs were seized on scene. 

While in handcuffs, and being escorted toward a police cruiser, the male suspect dropped to the ground and refused to comply with officers. He became combative and started kicking one officer while the second officer was retrieving the cruiser. As the officer tried to control the subject, he was kicked in the face with a steel toe boot by the subject. 

The male continued to resist the arrest and was combative until such time as a Sergeant arrived at scene and produced a CEW (taser). The male suspect complied and the taser was not deployed. The injured officer was later treated at hospital for his injuries and released. 

Christopher Robert THOMPSON, 32 years old of Ottawa, is charged with:

*       Assaulting a peace officer with intent to resist arrest

*       Assaulting a peace officer causing bodily harm

*       Assaulting a peace officer with a weapon

*       Possession of a schedule I substance

*       Possession of a schedule II substance 

He was scheduled to appear in court on March 27, 2017.   

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CONTACT: 

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 28, 2017        3:27 pm 

 (Ottawa) –– The Ottawa Police Service is currently requesting the assistance of the public to locate the following missing persons, Jessica Bressi 15 years old and Austin Henderson 17years old  .  Both Youth reside in Ottawa but are originally from the Peterborough area. Both left on 21 March 2017.

Jessica Bressi is described as a Caucasian female, 180lbs (82 kg), 5'3, (160 cm) with Strawberry Blonde hair to her chest, brown eyes and scars on her forearms. Jessica left the area of Lacroix Avenue.  She is wearing black leggings, with a grey hoodie and black back pack.

Henderson is described as a Caucasian male 5'5 (165 cm) tall, 115 lbs (52 kg), short light brown hair, green eyes; Henderson was last seen in the Phoenix Crescent area wearing black jeans and a black Slipknot jersey.

If you know where Bressi and Henderson are, please immediately contact Ottawa Police Dispatch at 613-230-6211. If you have information that could assist investigators, but do not know where they are currently, please contact the Missing Persons Unit 613-236-1222, ext. 2355, between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, daily. 

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 31, 2017    9:35am 

(Ottawa) –The Ottawa Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit is investigating a shooting that took place at the 1 – 100 block of Kentsdale Drive on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at approximately 6:00pm. 

Front Line Officers attended Kentsdale Drive in regards to shots being fired. A 23 year old male victim was located on scene with a gunshot wound. He was transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

The Guns and Gangs Unit is investigating. 

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call Ottawa Police's 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 by downloading the Ottawa Police app. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, April 03, 2017   7:45 am

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Criminal Investigations Section is currently investigating a stabbing that occurred on Saturday April 1st at around 3:45 pm out front of the 1-100 block of Rideau Street in Ottawa.

A 17 year old male from Ottawa was stabbed in the throat by the suspect, who then took off on foot westbound on Rideau Street.

He is described as a black male, wearing a gray hoodie with hood up with a black vest on top, blue/gray pants, bright blue Adidas running shoes, tinted glasses and a goatee (see photo.)

The victim is in serious but stable condition.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Central Investigation Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5166. 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: Monday, April 3, 2017

Ottawa– The Gatineau Police Service and Ottawa Police Service’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) will focus on school zone safety and cycling safety during the month of April.

School Bus / School Zone Safety:

Between 2011 and 2015, there were 900 collisions resulting in 211 injuries involving school buses or occurring in school zones.

Cycling Safety

Between 2011 and 2015, there were 1519 collisions involving cyclists with 1291 injuries and 10 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, April 4, 2017   7:55 am

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Collision Investigation Unit is looking to identify a potential witness regarding a fatal collision on March 25, 2017 at approximately 2:30 am.

A photo of the witness vehicle is attached. The witness vehicle is described as a dark colour hatchback. Investigators believe the driver of the vehicle in the photo may have valuable information and are asking him or her to come forward.

Investigators believe the witness was traveling southbound on Merivale Road and was passed by the Honda involved in the single vehicle collision. The Honda struck the utility pole shortly after passing the witness. Attempts to identify this vehicle have been unsuccessful at this time.

A 27-year-old male was fatally injured in this collision while the 20-year-old male is still recovering from his injuries in hospital.

If anyone has information or recognizes this vehicle, contact the Ottawa Police Service Collision Investigation Unit, at 613-236-1222, ext. 2481 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) or toll-free at 1-800-222-8477. 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, April 4, 2017  11:15 am

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Break & Enter Unit is investigating several recent break-and-enters and is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the suspect responsible.

 On March 24, 2017, during overnight hours, a suspect gained entry to Woodroffe High School, situated on Georgina Drive, by forcing open a door. Once inside, the suspect gained access to vending machines and made off with a small amount of change.

 On March 26, 2017, during overnight hours, a suspect forcibly entered Bell High School situated along Cassidy Road.  Once inside, the suspect broke into a vending machine and removed change and foodstuffs.

 On the same date, again during overnight hours, the same suspect broke into the dome at Ben Franklin Park, situated along Knoxdale Road. The suspect gained entry by forcing open a door. Once inside, the suspect was then unable to gain access to inside offices and ultimately left empty-handed.

The suspect is described as being a Caucasian male, medium height and build  (images attached.)

Anyone with information regarding these breaks-ins, or any other break & enter, is asked to call the Ottawa Police's Break & Enter Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 2635. 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, April 4, 2017     1:00pm  

(Ottawa)— The Ottawa Police Service Break & Enter Unit is investigating a recent residential break-and-enter and is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects responsible. 

On March 1, 2017, between noon and 3:00 pm, two suspects entered a residence situated along Trillium Avenue.  Entry was gained by forcing open a door. The suspects spent a minimal amount of time inside the residence and may have been scared off. A wallet may have been taken during the course of the break-in. The incident was not reported to Police until March 26, 2017.

The suspects are described as follows (images attached): 

#1-Caucasian male, tall, slim build

#2-Caucasian male, shorter, average build    

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, April 5, 2017   10:45 am 

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Criminal Investigation Unit (East) is investigating the suspicious actions of a man in the Blossom Park area.

About 4 pm on Friday 24th March 2017, two 13 year old children were approached by the driver of a navy blue minivan in the area of Kingsdale Avenue at Eighth Street, in the Blossom Park area. The driver of the minivan rolled down his window, showed the children some candy, and asked them if they wanted any. The children ran away, and the minivan left toward Conroy road.

At no time did the driver make any attempt to lure the children into his vehicle. He is described as a Middle Eastern male, thin build, aged 40-50 yrs, with yellow crooked teeth, and a pointy black beard. The vehicle is a blue minivan with tinted rear windows.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Ottawa Police Criminal Investigation Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 3566. 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, April 7, 2017     7:46 am 

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit has laid a number of charges in relation to a 2016 takeover-style robbery of a fast food restaurant.

On July 7, 2016, at approximately 2:55 am, employees were working a nightshift at a fast food restaurant situated along the 2300 block of Bank Street. At the time, the premises were secured and operating a drive-thru service. Two suspects, disguised, were able to gain entry to the restaurant, one armed with a machete. One suspect confronted and controlled the employees while the second suspect sought to locate cash. The suspects fled the premises with an undisclosed quantity of cash. There were no injuries.

On April 6, 2017, one suspect was arrested after presenting himself to robbery investigators at 474 Elgin Street. Kaizen RITCH-O'REILLY, age 19 of Ottawa, is charged with the following offences:

• Two (2) counts of robbery
• Two (2) counts of forcible confinement
• Two (2) counts of assault with a weapon
• Possession of a weapon
• Break & Enter
• Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
• Wear disguise with intent

Mr. Ritch-O'Reilly will appear in court on April 7/2017.

A second suspect remains at large and the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery, these suspects, or any other 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, April 7, 2017     8:09 am 

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit is investigating following two overnight robberies that occurred April 6, 2017, resulting in the arrests of two suspects.

On April 6, 2017, at approximately 2:00 am, a male victim was walking along Heron Road near the Bronson Avenue overpass when he was approached by two males. Both suspects were armed with batons that had a blue light at one end. The suspects made a demand for the victim's wallet and phone. There were no injuries.

Later, at approximately 3:25 am, police responded to a robbery at 4000 Bridle Path. There, two persons had stepped outside a bar and were accosted by three suspects who had their faces covered. A demand was made for the victims to turn over whatever they had on their persons. A scuffle ensued during which one of the victims was kicked to the head and "tasered". The suspects fled on foot. Police arrested two of the three suspects in the vicinity a short time later.

Police, as a result of the arrests, recovered a "baton stun gun" equipped with a flashlight.

Two suspects are charged in relation to these two investigations.  Connor LEASK, age 18 of Ottawa, is charged with the following offences:

• Three (3) counts of robbery
• Carrying a concealed weapon
• Two (2) counts of possession of a prohibited device
• Two (2) counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
• Two (2) counts of wearing a disguise with intent
• Assault with a weapon

A 17 years old male of Ottawa is also charged with the following offences:

• Three (3) counts of robbery
• Two (2) counts of possession of a prohibited device
• Two (2) counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
• Two (2) counts of wearing a disguise with intent
• Assault with a weapon

Both suspects appeared in court on April 6, 2017.

A third suspect remains at large and an additional arrest is anticipated.

Investigators are also concerned that there may be other incidents that occurred that have not yet been reported to Police. Anyone that may have been a victim of a robbery, or any offence potentially related to these suspects, is encouraged to contact police.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery, these suspects, or any other 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, April 7, 2017     1:25 pm 

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit is investigating following a series of overnight swarmings in the Market area.

Between approximately 8:45 pm and 11:50 pm, a series of at least seven (7) separate robberies occurred that involved nine, or more, victims. These robberies occurred in close proximity but in various locations in that area. In most incidents, one or more victims were approached by two or three suspects, a demand was made, and a knife produced. In many instances nothing was obtained from the victims. There were no injuries.

Frontline responded to a call for service along the 0-100 block of Rideau Street and arrested one suspect in relation to the robberies.

Khalil HALOUANE, age 19 of Ottawa, is charged with the following series of offences:

*       Nine (9) counts of robbery

*       Seven (7) counts of possession of a weapon in commission of an offence

*       Two (2) counts carrying a concealed weapon

*       Three (3) counts assault with a weapon

*       Obstructing Police

*       Uttering threats

*       Forcible confinement

Mr. Halouane will appear in court on April 7, 2017.

Two suspects remain at large and the investigation continues. Investigators will follow-up at a later date with additional details and potential images, as information and available evidence is received and reviewed.

Investigators also have reason to believe that there may be additional victims that have yet to report an occurrence to Police. Anyone that was a victim of a similar type of occurrence, in the Market area last night, is encouraged to contact Police.

Anyone with information regarding these robberies, 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