FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 11, 2017     9:55am 

(Ottawa) –The Ottawa Police Service Major Crime Unit confirms the arrest of Brayton KENNEDY, 19 years old of Ottawa, for the homicide of Jacob Thompson.

On Saturday, September 24, 2016, at approximately 2:00am, Jacob Thompson was shot to death on Elmira Drive.   

On Monday, April 10, 2017, KENNEDY was arrested and charged with 2^nd degree murder. He appeared in court on April 11, 2017. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, September 30, 2016      10:22am

Charges in relation to Elmira Drive murder

(Ottawa) –The Ottawa Police Service Major Crime Section has charged two people with offences related to the murder of Jacob Thompson on Saturday, September 24^th, 2016. 

Thompson was shot on Elmira Drive.  Brianna Kennedy, 20 of Ottawa, has been charged with one count of accessory after the fact to murder. 

Geneva Kennedy, 39 of Ottawa, has been charged with one count of accessory after the fact to murder and one count of obstruct police. 

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call Ottawa Police's Major Crime at 613-236-1222, ext.5493.  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: Sunday, September 25, 2016   4:40 pm 

Homicides on Elmira Drive and Shillington Avenue

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Major Crime Unit continues to investigate two homicides that occurred this weekend. 

The first homicide occurred on Saturday morning at 2 a.m. at an Elmira Dr. address. Jacob Thompson, 40, was shot and died on scene. 

The second homicide occurred at 6 a.m. today on Shillington Ave. where Abdi Jama, 26, was shot. He was pronounced dead at hospital.  

Anyone with information about either homicide is asked to contact Major Crime at 613-236-1222 ext. 5493. 

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:

Major Crime Section                       

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5493

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 11, 2017       1:15pm 

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service East Criminal Investigation unit has charged Brandon Jonathon SMITH with firearm-related offences.

On Monday, April 10, 2017, SMITH was travelling on Walkley Road near Lancaster Road when he was seen pointing a firearm at another commuter on Walkley Road. 911 was called and Patrol officers located and stopped SMITH's vehicle on Sheffield Road. A replica handgun was seized.

SMITH was arrested and is facing the following charges:

• Possession of a weapon x1
• Resisting / Obstructing Police x1
• Assault Police x1
• Assault / Intent to resist or prevent arrest x1
• Uttering threats x5

He appeared in court on April 11, 2017.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call Ottawa Police's East 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: Tuesday, April 11, 2017           2:14pm 

(Ottawa)— Starting today, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is pleased to provide the option of reporting hate crimes using our online reporting system. 

“Our community partners have requested this and I’m pleased to see it being implemented,” said Chief Charles Bordeleau. “This will provide an alternative means of access to police services and help to eliminate these kinds of crimes in our communities.” 

For those with language or other barriers, the online system can provide an easier way to report these crimes. Family members or friends can help complete the report, if needed, and it will be reviewed within 24 hours after being filed. 

“The impact of hate crime is immense. It can destroy lives, instill fear and break down the fabric of our communities,” said Diversity and Race Relations Staff Sergeant David Zackrias. “By reporting hate crime when it happens, you can help prevent it from happening to someone else. You will also help the OPS to better understand the trends of hate crimes in our city, and be in a better position to respond appropriately, sensitively and effectively to those trends.” 

To report a hate crime using our online system, visit www.ottawapolice.ca/onlinereporting. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Office

Tel. 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 12, 2017     10:07am 

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service, Safer Roads Ottawa, the Share the Road Cycling Coalition, along with National Capital Heavy Construction Association and Citizens for Safe Cycling are encouraging owners of heavy trucks and commercial vehicles to participate in the Stay Safe, Stay Back initiative. 

“The Stay Safe, Stay Back campaign enables both cyclists and heavy truck operators to work together to ensure the safety of cyclists on our roads,” said Jamie Stuckless, Executive Director of Share the Road, “by educating and creating awareness for cyclists and heavy truck operators about blind spots and safety.” 

The initiative provides free bilingual decals to private sector partners from the heavy trucking industry that can be attached to the backs of their vehicles. “They serve as a reminder for cyclists not to proceed past the back bumper of a heavy vehicle or into their blind spot and for heavy truck operators to keep cyclists in clear view at all times,” said Rob Wilkinson, Coordinator of Safer Roads Ottawa. 

“This is a great program,” said Jim Flegg, President of the National Capital Heavy Construction Association. “We have encouraged our members to place decals on their heavy trucks and more and more of them are getting on board.” 

Decals can be requested by email at sro@ottawa.ca or by calling 613-580-2424 extension 28064. 

This initiative supports the Safer Roads Ottawa Program which is a leading community partnership between Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Paramedic Service, Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Public Health and the Transportation Services Department, who are 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.

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 12, 2017     11:40 am 

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit is investigating a recent convenience store robbery and is seeking the public's assistance to identify the suspect responsible.

On March 28, 2017, at approximately 8:30 am, a lone male suspect entered a convenience store situated along the 2900 block of Carling Avenue. The suspect, fully disguised with a mask, made a demand for cash and advised he had a knife. The clerk attempted to chase the suspect from the premises however the suspect was able to get behind the counter and grab the tray from the register. The suspect then fled the premises with the cash tray in hand. There were no injuries. The suspect was last seen running along Grenon Avenue by witnesses. Police located a knife behind an apartment building east of Grenon Avenue. The suspect is possibly believed to have entered a building nearby.

The suspect is described as male, approximately 5'9"(175 cm), thin build, English speaking with no accent. He was wearing a black 3/4 length winter coat with fur on the hood a dark-coloured bandana around the bottom portion of his mouth/face (images attached.)

Information with respect to retail robbery prevention, and what to do when a robbery occurs, can be reviewed HERE.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery, 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: Tuesday, April 12, 2017           3:13pm

(Ottawa)–The Ottawa Police Service Criminal Investigations Section has received numerous public complaints about threatening letters received by mail at their home address.

In most cases, the hand written address on the envelope is specifically naming one of the residents. The stamp mark is from Calgary, AB.

The letter found inside, a hand written note 8½ X 11 that is a photocopy, is making death threats to the reader and family beginning with “I know where you live…” 

To date, Ottawa Police has received 27 complaints about the letter. Police believe that this threatening letter is being mass distributed in the Ottawa area and urge all recipients to contact police and avoid over manipulating the letter.

If you have received this letter, or you have any information about this matter, please contact West Criminal Investigations Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 2666. 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: Wednesday, April 12, 2017     4:07pm

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Arson Unit confirmed that three separate fires on Sunday April 10, 2017, in close proximity of each other are being investigated.  

Ottawa Fire Services responded to three separate fires in the Vanier area during the early morning hours of Sunday. The Ottawa Police Arson unit was requested and conducted follow-up investigations for all three fires, which were considered suspicious in nature.

The three times and locations being investigated are as follows:

• 00:16 am at Marier Avenue and Deschamps Avenue;
• 1:07 am at Ste Anne Avenue and Joffre Belanger Way; and
• 3:23 am in the 200 block of Montreal Road.  

“We are asking the public to be vigilant of suspicious persons in the early morning hours and to minimize the risks of fire by limiting the storage of combustible materials next to their homes,” said Sgt. Dave Christie, of the Ottawa Police Arson Unit. “All fires are believed to have been set by the ignition of available materials such as scrap wood, recycling boxes, etc.”

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call Ottawa Police's Arson Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 3770. 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

@OttawaPolice  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 13, 2017      8:36am

(Ottawa) –The Ottawa Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit confirm a shooting investigation where a 28 year old male suffered a gunshot wound, non- life threatening injuries.  Police were called by hospital staff where the victim attended. 

Guns and Gangs investigators are asking for the public’s assistance to gather more information from the shooting.  Initial information is that the shooting took place on Prince Albert Street in the Overbrook area at approximately 1am. 

The investigation continues. 

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: Thursday, April 13, 2017  11:40 am 

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit has laid charges in relation to three recent bank robberies.

On April 10, 2017, at approximately 7:25 pm, two males entered a bank situated along the 1600 block of Montreal Road. The suspects, disguised, produced a note making a demand for cash. The suspects fled with an undisclosed quantity of cash. There were no injuries.

On April 11, 2017, at approximately 9:50 am, two males entered a bank situated along the 500 block of Montreal Road. The suspects, disguised, produced a note making a demand for cash. The suspects fled with an undisclosed quantity of cash. There were no injuries.

On April 12, 2017, at approximately 7:30 pm, two males entered a bank situated along the 0-100 block of Pretoria Avenue. The suspects, disguised, produced a note making a demand for cash.  There were no injuries. The suspects fled with an undisclosed quantity of cash to a waiting taxi. When Frontline officers located the taxi along the Vanier Parkway, three suspects fled from the vehicle. All three suspects were arrested nearby without incident.

Adam MAYNARD, age 38, and Keith SIKALA, age 53, both of Ottawa are jointly charged with the following offences:

*       Three (3) counts of robbery

*       Three (3) counts of conspiracy

They are individually each charged with three (3) counts of wearing a disguise. Mr. Maynard is additionally charged with possession of a Schedule I substance and breach of recognizance.

Kaneesha NAVEAU, age 25 of Ottawa, is jointly charged in relation to only the April 12/17 incident. She has been charged with robbery and conspiracy.

All three persons will appear in court on April 13, 2017.  

Anyone with information regarding these robberies, 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: Thursday, April 13, 2017    2:05pm 

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit confirmed that one man was arrested following a shooting on Augusta Avenue on Thursday, April 13, 2017. 

At 2:00am, Patrol Officers responded to multiple shots fired in the 100 block of Augusta Avenue. Officers apprehended a suspect after a short foot pursuit and a firearm was recovered.  No injuries noted at this time. 

Yonis ISMAIL, 35 years old of Ottawa is charged with:

• Use/Handle/Store firearm, carelessly
• Possession of weapon dangerous to public peace
• Possession of restricted or prohibited firearm without holding a licence and registration certificate
• Possession of restricted or prohibited firearm knowingly not holding a licence and registration certificate
• Possession of loaded regulated firearm
• Possession of firearm obtained by crime
• Failure to comply with recognizance / undertaking
• Recklessly discharge a firearm 

He is scheduled to appear in court today. 

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: Thursday, April 13, 2017         4:30pm 

(Ottawa)— The warmer weather means there will be an increase in different types of road users like cyclists, motorcyclists, and children out on our local sidewalks and streets.

The Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Public Health, Ottawa Paramedics and Safer Roads Ottawa want to remind all road users to stay alert and help keep our roads safe.

In the past week, three cyclists, four pedestrians and one motorcyclist have been struck on Ottawa roadways. Injuries ranged from minor to serious.

“Make safe driving your number one priority,” said Sgt. Mark Gatien of the Ottawa Police Service Traffic Unit. “That means not driving distracted, obeying speed limits and other Highway Traffic laws and watching for pedestrians, motorcycles and cyclists.”

To learn more about road safety visit the Ottawa Police website or the City of Ottawa.

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.  

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 Transportation Services Department, and is 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.

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CONTACT: 

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 14, 2017   12:45 pm

(Ottawa) — On April 12, 2017 police responded to a call from a male who wanted to turn himself in to police for vandalizing property at an Ottawa Mosque and Islamic Centre. Investigation confirmed that a window was broken at each location and the male was placed under arrest. During the arrest he assaulted one of the arresting officers.

The Ottawa Police Central Criminal Investigations Unit has charged 27 year old Shawn LE GUERRIER of Ottawa, with two counts of Mischief and one count of assaulting police.

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CONTACT: 

S/Sgt James Pietrkiewicz

Central Criminal Investigations Unit

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5309

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 14, 2017  

(Ottawa) – The OPS Guns & Gangs Unit has wrapped up a month long street gang, drug and firearms investigation. In the early morning hours on the 14th day of April 2017, multiple search warrants were executed in the 100 block of Beech Street. As a result 13 people were arrested. Cocaine, cannabis marihuana, prescription pills, MDA, crystal methamphetamine and powdered Fentanyl was seized. A taser was also located in one of the residences.

Multiple drug and weapons charges were laid in relation to nine of the arrested people. Three of the arrested people were subsequently released without being charged and one person was held on outstanding arrest warrants. The investigation is still ongoing, and as a result, no names will be released at this time.

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:

Guns & Gangs Unit             

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5050

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, April 17, 2017, 0030 hrs

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing female. Gillian Taylor-Hayes, 16 years of age, was last seen in the area of Poulin Avenue at approximately 2130 hrs and is believed to be on foot.

Taylor-Hayes is described as white, 5 feet (152 cm), approx. 170 lbs (77 kg), brown eyes, blue hair. Last seen wearing a camo style hoodie and black leggings.

Anyone with information regarding this missing person is asked to call Ottawa Police's West Division at 613-236-1222, ext. 2912. 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: 

West Duty Staff Desk

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 2912

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 18, 2017  10:15 am

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Break & Enter Unit is investigating a recent break & enter to an apartment building and is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the suspect responsible.

On March 22, 2017, a lone male suspect attended an apartment building situated along the 1000 block of Castle Hill Crescent. The suspect attended at two separate times. On the second visit, at approximately 11:00 pm, the suspect stole an appliance from a common area and used a grocery cart to transport it from the premises.

The suspect is described as being a Caucasian male, approximately 35 years of age. At the time of the first entry, he wore a dark vest over a grey jacket, and on the second entry he wore the vest over a red hooded jacket. He was also carrying a Lulu Lemon reusable bag during the first entry to the building (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: Tuesday, April 18, 2017                       1:20 pm              

(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, May 6, 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 May 6^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. Sue Wright

Outreach Recruitment and Resourcing

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5885       

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 18, 2017           4:35pm 

(Ottawa) –The Ottawa Police Service Central Criminal Investigations Unit is asking for public assistance in identifying a woman. 

On March 31, 2017, at approximately 9:00 pm, a woman approached a male at the Mackenzie King Bridge entrance of the Rideau Centre. The female convinced the male to make a donation to an unknown charity. The male was subsequently led to an ATM to withdraw money. Once he had entered his PIN, he was moved aside by the female and she proceeded to remove an unauthorized amount of cash from his account. It is believed the victim was targeted due to his cognitive disability. 

The female is described as an Asian female, approximately 35 years old, small build wearing black pants and a black jacket (view pictures.) 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa Police 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 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police app. 

Additional Tips when dealing with Charities: 

Consider the following precautions to ensure that your donation dollars benefit the people and organizations you want to help. They're good practices whether you're contacted by an organization's employees, volunteers or professional fund-raisers, soliciting donations by phone, mail or in person.

• Be wary of appeals that tug at your heart strings, especially pleas involving patriotism and current events.
• Ask for written information about the charity, including name, address and telephone number. A legitimate charity or fund-raiser will give you information about the charity's mission, how your donation will be used and proof that your contribution is tax deductible.
• Check out the charity's financial information. For many organizations, this information can be found online.
• Ask for identification. If the solicitor refuses to tell you or does not have some form or verifiable identification, hang up or close the door and report it to law enforcement officials.
• Call the charity. Find out if the organization is aware of the solicitation and has authorized the use of its name. If not, you may be dealing with a scam artist.
• Check with local recipients. If giving to local organizations is important to you, make sure they will benefit from your generosity. If a charity tells you that your dollars will support a local organization, such as a fire department, police department or hospital, call the organization to verify the claim.
• Watch out for similar sounding names. Some phony charities use names that closely resemble those of respected, legitimate organizations. If you notice a small difference from the name of the charity you intend to deal with, call the organization you know to check it out.
• Be skeptical if someone thanks you for a pledge you don't remember making. If you have any doubts about whether you've made a pledge or previously contributed, check your records. Be on the alert for invoices claiming you've made a pledge. Some unscrupulous solicitors use this approach to get your money.
• Ask how your donation will be distributed. How much will go to the program you want to support (as opposed to other programs of the non-profit), and how much will cover the charity's administrative and telemarketing costs?
• Refuse high pressure appeals. Legitimate fund-raisers won't push you to give on the spot.
• Be wary of charities offering to send a courier or overnight delivery service to collect your donation immediately.
• Consider the costs. When buying merchandise or tickets for special events, or when receiving "free" goods in exchange for giving, remember that these items cost money and generally are paid for out of your contribution. Although this can be an effective fund-raising tool, less money may be available for the charity.
• Be wary of guaranteed sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a contribution. According to law, you never have to donate anything to be eligible to win.
• Avoid cash gifts. Cash can be lost or stolen. For security and tax record purposes, it's best to pay by check.  

More tips can be found on the Ottawa Police Service website regarding Fraud and Scams. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 19, 2017   3:40pm 

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Collision Investigation Unit has charged an Ottawa man with impairment in relation to a fatal collision on January 20, 2017. 

The incident occurred at about 7pm on Fallowfield Road just west of Eagleson Road when a vehicle veered into the wrong lane and struck a vehicle head on. 

Nathan FOSTER-HUNT, age 31, is charged with criminal negligence causing death, criminal negligence causing bodily harm, impairment via drugs causing death, and impairment via drugs causing bodily harm. 

He appeared in show cause today. 

The driver of the other vehicle, Craig Duncan, age 17, died as a result of the collision. The passenger in Duncan's car sustained non-life threatening injuries. 

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CONTACT:?

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 19, 2017   4:40pm 

(Ottawa) – In late May 2016, a member of the Barrie Police Service Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit 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 believed to be in the Barrie area sharing files of prepubescent children being sexually abused. A production order, however, revealed the IP address to resolve to the Ottawa area resulting in a consequent investigation by the Ottawa Police Service ICE Unit. 

A search warrant was subsequently executed today on Heatherington Road in the South area of Ottawa. Digital devices were forensically analyzed and seized. 

Marc ST-GERMAIN, 55 years old, of Ottawa, is charged with: 

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

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

He will appear at show cause court on Thursday, April 20, 2017. 

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 20, 2017         4:46pm 

The Ottawa Police Service monitors and responds to hundreds of events, demonstrations and protests in the National Capital Region on an annual basis.  Each of these events has its own unique challenges, and it is our role to keep the peace and ensure a safe and secure demonstration or protest for all involved, inclusive of those who may be impacted.  

One of the more regular demonstration areas in the city is the Morgentaler Clinic on Bank St. We are very aware of the issues at that location and have been working for years to deal with ongoing demonstrations there. This includes being in dialogue with the clinic management and demonstrators. We are reaching out to the clinic management again.

Our police officers routinely monitor this demonstration, do respond to calls for service, and take action that is appropriate in the circumstances. We continually respond to calls for service at this location, most related to protestors and graphic signs. 

All reported incidents are taken seriously and investigated. Where warranted we enforce applicable laws. 

In one recent case, in early December of 2016, an individual was given a trespass notice for attending the clinic by security. The next day, the individual attended the address again and was stopped by security who called police. Police arrived on scene and spoke with the man who said he would continue to return. He was then arrested by police to prevent the continuation of the offence and brought to the cell block where he was held for a court appearance. He was later charged with mischief. 

Our officers have the difficult job of ensuring the safety and security of all those involved or impacted by a demonstration.  

We have also been accused by some of not respecting the rights of protestors at that location. 

If the clinic wishes to obtain a zone (bubble) around the premise where demonstrations or protests would be prohibited, they would need to pursue the matter with the courts. This would be a civil matter and would need to be decided on by a court because of the impact on individual rights. That is something we simply do not have the authority to grant as a police service. 

The City Special Events By-law was not intended to apply to an individual engaged in expressive activity on a sidewalk as in this particular case.  Rather, the purpose of the By-law is intended to address larger scale events involving a collection of demonstrators where the management of the municipal right-of-way and other municipal and local resources would necessitate engaging the permit process. 

We recognize that there are differing perspectives on issues that may be the subject of any particular protest or demonstration. The application of laws as it relates to protests must be carefully considered, ensuring that the enforcement is not in contravention of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  

The Ottawa Police Service remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those involved or impacted by a protest.  The preservation of peace is achieved through dialogue and by reaching out to establish lines of communication.  As with other protests and demonstrations, we are willing to continue dialogue to ensure the safety and security of all involved and the preservation of peace. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366