FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, June 6, 2017   10:40 am

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service is seeking assistance in identifying a suspect who exposed himself in Orleans.

On May 31, 2017 at approximately 10 pm, a teenaged female was walking on Prestwick Drive towards her home. From Prestwick she entered a lit pathway. She then walked by a man who grabbed her arm and exposed himself. The teenager was able to get away and run home. Police were called.

The suspect is described as white, 5'8" (173 cm) with a grey goatee. He has broad shoulders and is about 30-40 years old. He was wearing a black/gray puffy jacket, black pants and black construction type boots. On his head he had a black tuque.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Detective Jean Begin Ottawa Police Criminal Investigation Unit (East) at 613-236-1222, ext. 6196. 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 June 7, 2017  10:25 am

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit is investigating a recent swarming and is seeking the public's assistance to identify the female suspects responsible.

On May 20, 2017, at approximately 2:15 pm, a female victim was approached by two female suspects along the 0-100 block of George Street. The two suspects began harassing the victim and following her. One of the suspects then grabbed the victim's purse and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the contents of the purse spilled onto the ground and the suspects then grabbed the victim's phone and fled. There were no injuries.

The suspects are described as follows (images attached):

#1-black female, approximately 25 years, approximately 5'10"(178 cm), slim, long curly hair, wearing a tube-top and shorts

#2-black female, shorter, had longer hair with red colouring.

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: Thursday, June 8, 2017  1:32 pm

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

On May 28, 2017, at approximately 8:25 pm, police responded to an entry alarm at a residence situated along the 0-100 block of Rodney Crescent. On arrival, police became aware that the residence had been forcibly entered and that the suspects responsible had fled the scene. Suspect # 1 approached the front door, became aware of the camera, and walked away, off camera.  Suspect # 2, disguised, then approached and forced open the front door. It appears nothing was taken in the short time the suspect was inside the residence. The home is equipped with surveillance cameras that captured images of the two suspects.

The suspects are described as follows (images attached):

#1-Male, olive complexion, 25-35 years, slim build, short brown hair. He was wearing blue jeans, blue skater type shoes, and a white long-sleeved shirt.

#2-Caucasian male, black sunglasses, black or dark brown hair, balding at the top rear. Wearing a white long-sleeved shirt, blue jeans, and distinctive shoes that appeared to be beige with red on the sides.

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. 3515. 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, June 9, 2017   8:22 am 

(Ottawa)— The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit is investigating a recent convenience store robbery in Orleans and is seeking the public’s assistance to identify the three suspects responsible.

On June 2, 2017, at approximately 3:15am, three male suspects entered a convenience store situated along the 300 block of Tompkins Avenue, near Tenth Line Road. One of the suspects was armed with a knife. The suspects made a demand for cash and cigarettes, and fled with an undisclosed quantity of both items. There were no injuries.

The suspects are described as follows (images attached):    

• #1-black male, 18-24 years, approximately 5' 11" (180cm) and 160 lbs (73kg). He was wearing black shoes, black pants, black hooded sweater pulled tight around face, with white Nike swoosh.

• #2-black male, 18-24 years, approximately 5'10" (178cm) and 150 lbs (68kg), described as having a baby face. He was wearing blue running shoes with white soles, black pants, black hooded sweater pulled tight around face, with a red flame triangle on the chest.

• #3-black male, 18-24 years, approximately 5'10" (178cm) and 160 lbs (73kg).  He was wearing a gray sweater, with blue hood pulled tight around face, black New Orleans Saints Football Jersey #9 over-top of sweater, black pants, and black shoes.

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: Friday, June 9, 2017    9:30 am

(Ottawa) — In May 2017, the Ottawa Police Organized Fraud Unit received a complaint about a man who had applied to write the National Dental Examining Board of Canada exams with falsified credentials. In order to write the exam, applicants must have a degree from an accredited dental school.

The investigation revealed that the man had been able to access the University credentials of a real dentist and changed the name on those credentials into his own.  Further investigation would reveal that the man was working in different capacities at two different dental clinics in Ottawa and also openly portraying himself as a dentist online.

As a result, Omar ANWAR, 29 years old, of Ottawa is charged with:

*       3 counts of Uttering a forged document;

*       2 count of Obtaining employment by false pretence;

*       1 count of Personating a dentist; and

*       1 count of Possessing the identity documents of another.

He is scheduled to appear in court Friday.

Organized Fraud investigators would like to hear from anyone who believes they received dental care from Mr. ANWAR.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call Ottawa Police Organized Fraud Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5292. 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, June 12, 2017 at 0040 hrs

(Ottawa) — On June 9, 2017, a 52 year-old Ottawa woman was charged with breach of a judicial release and disturbing a religious worship. This was in relation to mischief and a causing a disturbance charges stemming from an April 30, 2017, incident.

On April 30, 2017, it is alleged that Katherine SPERO entered a place of worship on the 200 block of Kent Street, Ottawa, where she began to scream and caused damages to a religious statue.

On June 9, 2017, SPERO was charged for another mischief incident that occurred at the same location on January 30, 2017. Once again, it is alleged that Katherine SPERO broke parts of statues representing religious figures.

SPERO attended show cause court on June 10, 2017. Her next court appearance is June 22, 2017.

The Ottawa Police Service is looking for witnesses who may have been present on the dates the offences took place. Any information can be forwarded to Cst. Kevin Bradley at 613-236-1222 ext. 5450.

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, June 12, 2017      1 h 45

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service is requesting the assistance of the public to locate Mary Papatsie, a 39 year-old Ottawa woman.

PAPATSIE was last seen in Ottawa late April 2017.

She is described as:

*       Inuit woman

*       Measuring 5'2" (157 cm) to 5'3"(160 cm)

*       140 (64 kg) to 160 pounds (73 kg)

*       Has long straight brown hair

*       Has a scar above the left eye from a piercing

*       No tattoos

See attached pictures:

If you know where Papatsie currently is, please contact Ottawa Police Dispatch at 613-236-1222. If you have information that could assist investigators, but do not know where he is currently, please contact the East Criminal Investigative Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 3566.

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

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CONTACT:

Missing Persons Unit

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 2355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, June 13, 2017            1:45 pm

(Ottawa)—The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is pleased to announce this year’s annual Gala recipients.

“We had a lot of worthy charities submit an application this year,” said the OPS Gala's coordinator, Inspector Mike Laviolette. “It took us quite a while to decide on who would be this year’s beneficiaries.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa (BBBSO) was selected because of the exhaustive work it does with area youth in ensuring they have the support they need to grow and thrive. It has served the community since 1923 and helps youth overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life. It serves roughly 4,500 children in the Ottawa area.

“BBBSO is grateful to have been selected as one of the two recipients of the OPS Foundation Gala fundraiser,” said Executive Director of BBBSO, Susan Ingram. “BBBSO creates and supports mentoring relationships for over a thousand youth every year both in the community and schools across Ottawa, providing a positive impact at school, at home and ultimately helping these youth to grow into vibrant members of the community. We are thrilled that funds raised from the Gala will support the expansion of our programs, reaching an additional one hundred at-risk youth by matching them with Police Officer mentors.

Ottawa Victim Services (OVS) was selected as the second recipient because of its referral and advocacy program it runs for Ottawa-area victims of crime. The goal of the agency is to lessen the trauma of being victimized by providing individual support, counseling, some financial aid, and connecting residents with services to give them back a sense of control of their lives.

“Ottawa Victim Services is honoured to be selected as one of the 2017 Ottawa Police Gala recipients,” said Executive Director of OVS, Melissa Heimerl. “Our team is dedicated to supporting the Ottawa community and we value the partnership of the Ottawa Police Service in distributing support to victims of crime. We look forward to the event and are excited about the possibilities these funds will bring to our organization.”

This year’s gala will be held on Saturday, October 28 at the Shaw Centre. To learn more and get your tickets, please visit: ottawapolice.ca/OPSGala.

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, June 13, 2017    4:30pm 

(Ottawa) –The Ottawa Police Service is asking for assistance in locating a missing 84 year old Asian female, Zimi HU.

Zimi was last seen in the area of 900 block of Somerset Street at approximately 11:00am. 

She is described as an Asian female, 5’1” (155cm), black with grey hair to the neckline, long sleeve yellow jacket, red t-shirt.  She walks every day, and also commutes by OC transpo bus.  Her family is concerned for her safety.  (view picture) 

If you know where Zimi currently is, please immediately contact Ottawa Police Dispatch at 613-236-1222. If you have information that could assist investigators, but do not know where he is currently, please contact the Ottawa Police Service 613-236-1222, ext. 2355.

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, June 14, 2017   4:25pm  

(Ottawa) –The Ottawa Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit is investigating a shooting that took place in the Rosemere Avenue and Springhurst Avenue area on June 14, 2017 around 1:00am. 

Front line officers attended the area for 911 calls indicating gunshots being fired. On arrival, officers determined and established a perimeter of a crime scene. Evidence of gun violence was located within the perimeter of the protected scene. There was no victim(s) or suspect(s) located at the scene. 

 A 27 year old male victim was located at a local hospital with non-life threatening gunshot injuries.  Also a vehicle was seized from the hospital parking lot. 

A 23 year old male is in custody.  No charges have been laid at this time. 

Investigators from Guns and Gangs Unit continue the investigation. 

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, June 15, 2017    9:22 am 

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Robbery Unit is investigating a recent personal robbery that occurred at an ATM and is seeking the public's assistance to identify the suspect responsible.

On May 30, 2017, at approximately 7:35 pm, a lone male suspect accosted a female victim inside the ATM vestibule of a bank situated along the 1900 block of Robertson Road. The suspect produced a large kitchen knife and demanded cash that had just been withdrawn by the victim. The suspect fled with an undisclosed quantity of cash. The victim was uninjured.

The suspect is described as Caucasian male, approximately 5'8"-5'10"(173 - 178 cm), average build, short brown hair, almost in a brush cut.  At the time he was wearing dark shorts, grey sneakers or deck shoes with white soles, a grey hooded jacket, white sunglasses, and a grey patterned baseball cap with a logo on front (images attached.)

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: Friday, June 16, 2017               10:50 am 

 (Ottawa) –The ottawa Police Service Missing Persons Unit is seeking assistance in locating missing teenager Taryn Smith.  There are concerns for her well-being.

Smith was last seen June 13 when she left her school in the south end of the city.

Smith is a 16 year old white female.  She is 5’7” (170 cm) with a thin build.  She has auburn hair and grey/green eyes. Smith has several piercings in each ear.  She is wearing blue T-shirt, grey pants and carrying a blue back pack.

If you know where Smith currently is, please immediately contact Ottawa Police Dispatch at 613-236-1222. If you have information that could assist investigators, but do not know where she is currently, please contact the Ottawa Police Service 613-236-1222, ext. 2355.

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, June 19, 2017            2:10pm

 (Ottawa) – From June 20 to 22^nd, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Explosives (CBRNE) partners will participate in a three-day training exercise in Ottawa at various locations during the daytime.  

On June 20, training participants will be at the VIA Rail\Canada Ottawa Train Station on Tremblay Road; and on June 21-22, they will be at the greenbelt research farm at Woodroffe and Fallowfield.  

During the training exercise, nearby residents may see an enhanced police presence and emergency services vehicles in the vicinity. 

It should be noted that there will be no public or media access to the joint training exercise. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, June 19, 2017            3:40pm

(Ottawa)—On June 21^st, Chief Charles Bordeleau will present wallet badges to recently hired Police Officers at a formal Graduation Ceremony.

The Ceremony will be held at 1:00pm at the EY Centre Hall 4, located at 4899 Uplands Drive.

Some of the highlights and achievements of our Recruits include:

• Of the 63 recruits, there are 16 women and 47 men.
• Coming from communities from Halifax to Vancouver and all parts in between.
• Moving to Canada from other countries like Brazil, Ecuador and the Netherlands.
• 3^rd generation police officers or other family member in policing.
• Eight are experienced officers.
• Coming from the Military across Canada and served in Bosnia and Afghanistan.
• The majority speak more than one language, including one who speaks 5 languages.
• Volunteering (all new officers) with award winning for volunteer service e.g. Founders award for outstanding contribution on PACT (Person against the Crime of Trafficking in Humans).
• Working with community partners like the Ottawa Mission and Refugee Services or with City of Ottawa By-law Services, House of Commons Protection Services or working in a Group Home. Also teachers’ assistants from University to kids with Special Needs.
• Being the poster person for policing, as seen on transit boards on buses in North Bay or a full billboard at Canadore College or appearing on local news to speak about animal abuse.
• Head coach of Dorval swim team, going to the Pan Am Games as a decathlete, playing Junior Hockey, or top candidate combat engineer of the regiment basic training, Team Captain of Ottawa GG’s Varsity Hockey and travel to the 2009 FISU games in Harbin China.
• Vast educational backgrounds from College to University to Royal Military Colleges, many obtaining several degrees in different and wide ranging courses.
• Choosing to leave professions like the CBSA, Corrections Canada, Military, SPCA Investigator, OC Transpo Special Constable to pursue policing with Ottawa Police.

The Recruits will display their drill, be inspected by Chief Bordeleau and sign their Oath of Office.

The Graduation will be followed by a reception for family and friends of the officers.

Members of the media are welcomed. 

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There will be a designated media area. Media will not be permitted to circulate during the Graduation Ceremony and there is no media feed box available.

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Telephone: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 21, 2017   10:00am 

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

On June 6-7, 2017, during the overnight hours, a male suspect forcibly entered a fast food retail premise situated along the 600 block of Eagleson Road. The suspect forced a door and once inside, stole various items inside.  

The suspect is described as being a Caucasian male, approximately 5’6” (168cm), 140 lbs (64kg), clean shaven (view pictures.)  

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, June 21, 2017       2:30pm 

Pill Press, firearms, drugs and chemicals seized as part of Drug Unit investigation 

(Ottawa) — A significant amount of drugs and chemicals used to produce counterfeit pills, firearms, ammunition and a pill press were seized this week by the Ottawa Police Service Drug Unit after an eight month investigation. 

In November 2016, the Drug Unit began an investigation into a group of individuals believed to be responsible for trafficking cocaine and counterfeit pills in Ottawa. 

On June 20^th, 2017 the investigation concluded with the execution of eight search warrants at residences, businesses and vehicles across the city. 

As well as an assortment of drugs including cocaine and ecstasy, police also seized a sawed off shotgun and a 40 calibre handgun with 400 rounds of ammunition. A pill press was also seized and is capable of producing 20,000 pills per hour. With the quantity of chemicals seized during the course of the investigation this group could manufacture 600,000 counterfeit pills.  View photos here. 

“This is an important seizure that shows the ability of traffickers to produce large amounts of counterfeit pills locally. It also shows the link between drug traffickers and the potential for gun violence in Ottawa,” said S/Sgt Rick Carey of the Ottawa Police Service Drug Unit. “We continue to focus on enforcement while working with our partners to prevent overdoses in our city especially as we begin the music festival season where access to illegal drugs like ecstasy and other counterfeit pills is a major concern.”  

ACCUSED 

Brian NGUYEN, male 28, of Ottawa: 

• Possession for the purpose of Trafficking cocaine x 3, CDSA 5(2)
• Possession for the purpose of Trafficking steroids, (schedule IV), CDSA 5(2)
• Possession for the purpose of Trafficking Schedule I x 2, CDSA 5(2)
• Possession for the purpose of Trafficking marihuana, CDSA 5(2)
• Possession for the purpose of Trafficking MDMA, CDSA 5(2)
• Possession for the purpose of Trafficking Hashish, CDSA 5(2)
• Possession of Proceeds of Crime CC, 354(1)(a)
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm x 2, CC 91(1)
• Possession of a firearm knowing not authorized x 2, CC 92(1)
• Possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon with ammunitionx 2, CC 95(1)
• Possession of a firearm obtained by crime, CC 96(1)
• Tampering with a serial number, CC 108(1)
• Careless Storage of a firearmx 2, CC, 86(1)
• Careless storage of ammunition, CC 86(1)
• Weapons Dangerous,x 2, CC 88(4)
• Conspiracy, CC 465(1)(c)

Held – Pending show cause hearing 

Calvin TAN, male 24, of Ottawa: 

• Possession for the purpose of Trafficking Schedule I, CDSA 5(2)
• Possession for the purpose of Trafficking cocaine, CDSA 5(2)
• Possession for the purpose of Trafficking marihuana, CDSA 5(2)
• Possession of Proceeds of Crime CC, 354(1)(a)
• Weapons Dangerous CC 88(4)
• Conspiracy, CC 465(1)(c)

Released – PTA/Undertaking 

Nabil ZAZAY, male 24, of Ottawa:

• Conspiracy, CC 465(1)(c)

Released – PTA/Undertaking 

Allison HAYES, female 27, of Ottawa:  

• Possession for the purpose of Trafficking Schedule I x 3, CDSA 5(2)
• Possession for the purpose of Trafficking marihuana, CDSA 5(2)
• Possession for the purpose of Trafficking MDMA, CDSA 5(2)
• Possession for the purpose of Trafficking Hashish, CDSA 5(2)
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm, CC 91(1)
• Possession of a firearm knowing not authorized, CC 92(1)
• Careless Storage of a firearm CC, 86(1)
• Weapons Dangerous, CC 88(4)

Released – Promise to Appear/Undertaking 

OUTSTANDING SUSPECTS – To be arrested: 

Two other males aged 32 years old and 27 years old are still outstanding and to be arrested and charged in connection with this investigation.  

PROPERTY SEIZED 

• Pill press 
• 1 Sawed-off Remington 870 shotgun
• Smith & Wesson .40 cal semi-automatic with extra magazine and 400 rounds of ammunition.
• 2 Cocaine presses 
• Pills – believed to be methylenedioxymethamphetamine – MDMA (“Ecstasy”).
• Cocaine
• Marihuana and Hashish
• Steroids
• U/k powder – to be analyzed
• Drug packaging and paraphernalia 
• Canadian Currency
• Financial records for vehicles and residences
• Cellular phones
• Computers and data storage devices
• 2014 Audi S8 Sedan
• 2004 BMW 535i 

Anyone needing access to information about drug use and resources available in the city can go to www.stopoverdoseottawa.ca 

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 Office

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 21, 2017      3:17pm

(Ottawa)—The Ottawa Police Service’s (OPS) 2016 Annual Report was released today as part of the June 26^th meeting of the Ottawa Police Services Board agenda.

“This report highlights the work the members of the OPS do every day to keep our community safe,” said Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau. “Policing continues to change as we adapt to many issues facing our society. Social disorder issues continue to change. Mental health increasingly plays a role in our calls for service. The landscape of policing oversight is changing. All of these issues have an impact on our members and make their difficult jobs even more complex. I am proud of the work they do.” 

Ottawa saw an increase in both gun-related incidents and online fraud complaints in 2016. Robberies were down last year, thanks to an efficient and proactive response by the OPS’s Robbery Unit.

“This report also provides a comprehensive look at the statistics and performance metrics related to crime in Ottawa,” said Chief Bordeleau.

The 2016 Annual Report offers residents information about Criminal Code of Canada (CCC) offences for the City of Ottawa and 23 City Wards. The information provides residents and visitors with a better understanding of crime trends and road safety in Ottawa.

Here are some highlights:

• With approximately 33,000 reported Criminal Code of Canada offences (excluding traffic) in the City of Ottawa, the level of reported crime increased by 6.8% last year. 
• The clearance rate for total Criminal Code offences (excluding traffic) remained constant in 2016 with 36% of all cases cleared by charge or cleared otherwise.
• Similar to trends seen right across the province, Ottawa’s Crime Severity Index (CSI) rose by 10.5% last year – the Violent Crime CSI increased by 13.0% to 55.5, while the Non Violent crime CSI increased by 9.4% to 45.9.
• In 2016 the rate of reported Violent Crime in Ottawa remained relatively constant, with a rate of 539.9 per 100,000 residents, however the overall severity of violent crime increased by 13% driven by murder, assaults, sexual violations, and abduction offences. The clearance rate for violent crime improved by 1.4 percentage points to 57.6%.
• Robberies were down 16%, as the OPS focused on clearing cases through enhanced enforcement measures.
• In 2016 the volume of reported Non-Violent crime in Ottawa increased 8.1%.  The clearance rate declined slightly by -0.2 percentage point to 31.9%.

The OPS also oversaw a number of initiatives like the Outreach Liaison Team (OLT) and the conclusion of the Traffic Stop Race Data Collection Project. Internally, we placed a focus on assessing and enhancing the care and wellness of our members, and continued our three-year hiring plan of adding another 75 officers to the service.

“It’s clear that 2016, presented several challenges. Gun-related offences increased substantially last year and we had to devote resources to suppress the violence,” said Chief Bordeleau. “But Ottawa is a safe city: Together we will continue to work hard to provide our citizens with the best police service possible.”

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 21, 2017   3:45pm 

(Ottawa)—In March 2016, the province announced major changes to the way police conducted Street Checks. It provided new rules for voluntary public-police interactions, designed to ensure that these new Regulated Interactions (formerly known as Street Checks) were conducted without bias or discrimination.

The language around the new Regulated Interactions was complex and not easily understood. So the members of the Ottawa Police Service’s (OPS) Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) took it upon themselves to research the new law and find an innovative way of explaining it so youth, or anyone really, could understand what was involved.

“YAC was looking for something to help them, and others, better understand the changes being implemented,” said Regulated Interactions Program Lead, Acting Inspector Jim Elves. “They wanted to create ‘a guide so to speak’ that explained to people what their options were in a way that anyone could understand.”

The group crafted a set of bullet-points that provided a step-by-step guide to Regulated Interactions. It answered questions about everything from when someone is required to show identification to an officer to when someone is allowed to just walk away.

“There’s some confusion about the new Regulated Interactions, we’ve found,” said A/Insp. Elves. “We don’t want people thinking that police can never stop and talk with you. That’s just not true. Police and public interaction is an important part of what we do and we don’t want to create a generation that believes it is not good (or necessary) to cooperate. Nonetheless, we want people to clearly understand their rights and this tool is a great resource.  It will be on our website because we want people to access it.”

The OPS will be providing educational material to the public at events city-wide. This initiative is just one of many projects where YAC leadership is making a difference in our community. This is a first-of-its-kind response to a complex issue; created by youth, for youth.

“YAC seeks to be responsive to issues and trends in the community as they relate to youth,” said Strategic Youth Program Specialist, Jessica Ripley. “This resource was a true youth-led team effort and the hope is for it to be helpful and accessible to youth in our community and possibly beyond.”

If you have more questions about Regulated Interactions, please visit our webpage at: ottawapolice.ca/regulatedinteractions. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 22, 2017      9:10am 

(Ottawa) – On Thursday, June 22, 2017, at 1:20am, officers attended the 400 block of Rideau Street for 911 calls indicating gunshots being fired. A shooting scene was established with evidence of shell casings on scene.  

A 25 year old male victim is suffering from serious injuries sustained at the shooting scene. He was transported to hospital. At hospital, the injuries were confirmed as being stab wounds. He is in stable condition. 

Guns and Gangs Unit are investigating. 

The scene has been reopened prior to 7am. 

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 22, 2017      2:10am 

Shooting – Central Division / Road Closure

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service is currently investigating a shooting that occurred on Rideau Street June 22, 2017.

At approximately 0120hrs patrol officers responded to a shooting call in the 400 block of Rideau Street.  A male adult in his 20’s has been transported to hospital with serious injuries.  There is no further information at this time.  Guns & Gangs investigators are continuing the investigation.

Rideau Street is currently closed to traffic from Chapel St. to Augusta Street.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5050, or phone Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) or toll-free at 1-800-222-8477.

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 22, 2017     11:22am 

(Ottawa) –The Ottawa Police Service Break & Enter Unit is investigating a number of commercial break and enters in the Centertown area and an arrest warrant has been issued for a suspect.  

Between February 21, 2017, and June 5, 2017, the Break & Enter Unit has investigated a series of commercial break & enters at various locations, largely in the Centretown area. As a result of the investigation that has followed, a number of charges have been laid and an arrest warrant issued. Additional charges are anticipated, as the investigation remains ongoing.  

Trieu DINH, age 31 of Ottawa, is currently charged with the following offences: 

• Eleven(11) counts of break & enter
• Eleven(11) counts of possession of break-in instruments
• Eleven(11) counts of breach of probation    

DINH is described as being a male, of Asian descent, 5’5” (165cm), slim build, and black hair (view picture.)   

Anyone with information relating to the whereabouts of this suspect should contact Police immediately.  

Anyone with information relating to these break-ins, or any other break-in, is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Break and Enter Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 4533, or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) or toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). 

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CONTACT:

S/Sgt. Michael Haarbosch

Robbery/ Break & Enter Units

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5445