Category: London Police Service

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London Police Service Police Press Releases

London Murder – Names Released

LONDON, ON (January 7, 2024) – A man is facing charges in relation to a suspicious death investigation on Chippewa Drive this morning.

The victim has been identified as Phy Puth, 64, of London.

The victim and accused were known to each other.

As a result of the investigation, Lee Couturier, 48, of London, has been charged with second degree murder.

The accused is expected to appear in London court today in relation to the investigation.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers. 

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London Police Service Police Press Releases

Police Taser Woman In Distress – SIU “Investigating”

LONDON, ON (January 3, 2025) – At approximately 8 a.m. this morning, members of the London Police Service responded to a residence in the area of Langarth Street West and Winston Avenue in relation to checking the welfare of a woman.

Police located the female a short distance from the residence in distress and with a weapon.

A conducted energy weapon was deployed by officers, and the female was taken into custody.

The female was transported to hospital by paramedic services where her condition deteriorated.

The woman remains in hospital.

The Special Investigations Unit was notified and has invoked their mandate. As such, all inquiries regarding the investigation are to be directed to the Special Investigations Unit at 416-622-0748 or 1-800-787-8529.

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London Police Service Police Press Releases

UPDATE: Pedestrain Succumbs To Injuries

UPDATE – LONDON, ON (December 31, 2024) – Members of the LPS Traffic Management Unit continue to investigate a serious motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian that occurred earlier this month.

The female pedestrian transported to hospital by paramedic services, has succumbed to her injuries.

She has been identified as Sachina Shrestha, 21, of London.

Our thoughts are with her family and friends.

Investigators continue to appeal to members of the public who may have been in the area of Huron and Adelaide streets between 8 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. on December 9, 2024, who may have dash-cam, residential or business video surveillance that could assist with the investigation, to contact the London Police Service. 

The investigation remains ongoing and additional information will be provided as appropriate.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.

ORIGINAL – LONDON, ON (December 10, 2024) – Members of the London Police Service Traffic Management Unit are investigating a serious motor vehicle collision that took place late last night in the north end of the city.

On Monday, December 9, 2024, shortly after 8 p.m., emergency crews responded to the area of Huron and Adelaide streets in relation to reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a motor vehicle.

The involved female pedestrian was transported to hospital by paramedic services.

The involved driver remained on scene.

The roadway was closed for a period of time.

The pedestrian remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Investigators are asking any member of the public that may have been in the area of Huron and Adelaide streets between 8 p.m. – 8:15 p.m., who may have dash-cam, residential or business video surveillance that could assist with the investigation, to contact the London Police Service. 

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers. 

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London Police Service Police Press Releases

One Arrested For Arson

LONDON, ON (December 30, 2024) – Members of the London Police Service Street Crime Unit are investigating after a London man was arrested in relation to an overnight arson.

On Sunday, December 29, 2024, at approximately 9:30 p.m., emergency crews responded to the 400-block of Pinewood Drive in relation to a fire outside a shed.

Members of the London Fire Department attended and extinguished the fire.

While emergency crews were on scene, a suspect male entered his home nearby. Shortly afterwards, smoke was observed coming from inside the house. The door of the residence was breached, and members of the London Fire Department extinguished a fire inside the house.

A London police officer arrested the suspect male.

There were no reported injuries.

As a result of the investigation, Michael Bond, 43, of London, has been charged with the following offences:

  • Arson causing damage to property;
  • Arson by negligence; and
  • Possession of incendiary material.

The accused is expected to appear in London court today in relation to the charges.

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London Police Service Police Press Releases

Loaded Guns & Drugs Seized

LONDON, ON (December 30, 2024) – Three Londoners are facing charges after members of the LPS Uniformed Division recovered a stolen all-terrain vehicle, loaded guns and drugs.

On Friday, December 27, 2024, at approximately 10:40 p.m., officers observed an all-terrain vehicle being operated in a dangerous manner in the area of Shelborne Street and Commissioners Road East. Three occupants were on the vehicle at the time.

When police attempted to stop the all-terrain vehicle, it fled towards a green space behind a nearby commercial plaza.

A short time later, officers located the suspect vehicle abandoned. Checks revealed that it was reported stolen to an out-of-town police agency.

Members of the Uniformed Division, with the assistance of a member of the LPS Canine Unit, attended the area and commenced a search.

One male was located fleeing from the area. He was arrested without incident. A search yielded the following:

  • Loaded semi-automatic .22 caliber prohibited rifle with defaced serial number
  • 31 grams of suspected fentanyl, value $4,650
  • 50 grams of suspected crack cocaine, value $5000

Information was received that two additional suspects had fled from the area in a taxi. The two additional male suspects were located and arrested a short time later in the 300-block of Hilton Avenue.

A loaded sawed-off shotgun with a defaced serial number was also recovered and seized.

As a result of the investigation, a 20-year-old male, 21-year-old male, and 14-year-old male have been jointly charged with the following offences:

  • Two (2) counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking;
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm;
  • Possess loaded/unloaded regulated firearm;
  • Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with; and
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000.

The 20-year-old male has additionally been charged with the following offences:

  • Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with;
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm; and
  • Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition.

The 14-year-old male has additionally been charged with the following offences:

  • Fail to comply with sentence;
  • Fail to comply with undertaking; and
  • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order.

None of the accused will be named, as doing so could potentially identify the 14-year-old male, who cannot be named under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

All three of the accused are expected to appear in London court today in relation to the charges.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.

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London Police Service Police Press Releases

2 Teens Arrested Following Break & Enter

LONDON, ON (December 30, 2024) – Two teenaged boys were arrested after a business was broken into over the weekend.

On Saturday, December 28, 2024, at approximately 1 a.m., a citizen heard the sound of glass breaking at a business in the 900-block of Wellington Road. The citizen observed a young male flee from the business and contacted police. A description was provided to officers.

Video surveillance was obtained from the involved business.

Three suspects were located and arrested a short time later. A search yielded stolen property belonging to the business.

As a result of the investigation, one of the arrested youths was released unconditionally, while the other two were transported to the London Police Headquarters Detention Unit.

The business sustained approximately $1500 in damages.

Two 13-year-old males, who cannot be named under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, have been charged with a number of offences.

Youth # 1 has been charged with:

  • Break & enter with intent;
  • Fail to comply with undertaking; and
  • Fail to comply with release order.

Youth # 2 has been charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000.

Both of the youths have upcoming court dates in relation to the charges.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers. 

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London Police Service Police Press Releases

London Police Send One To Hospital

LONDON, ON (December 24, 2024) – On Sunday, December 22, 2024, at shortly after 1 p.m., a patrol officer located and arrested a 39-year-old man wanted by an outside agency in relation to out-of-town warrants.

The outside agency was contacted in relation to the warrants, and the man was transported to the Headquarters Detention Unit at 601 Dundas Street at approximately 2 p.m.

The man was transferred custody to the outside agency at approximately 2:40 p.m.

While with in the custody of the outside agency, the man’s condition deteriorated. 

The man was transported to hospital and has since been discharged.

As a result of the admission to the hospital, the Special Investigations Unit was notified and has invoked their mandate. As such, all inquiries regarding the investigation are to be directed to the Special Investigations Unit at 416-622-0748 or 1-800-787-8529. 

24-118864

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London Police Service Police Press Releases

Do You Recognize These Suspects

LONDON, ON (December 19, 2024) – Members of the London Police Service Street Crime Unit are seeking the public’s assistance as the result of an ongoing investigation.

At approximately 10:10 a.m., on Sunday, December 8, 2024, an employee of a business called police to report property damage and theft of property from a business in the 400-block of Pond Mills Road.

Video surveillance was reviewed, and officers learned that two male suspects damaged and stole property from the business shortly after 4 a.m. that morning.

The suspects have not yet been identified, and the investigation had been reassigned to the LPS Street Crime Unit.

Investigators are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the suspects and asking anyone who may have been in the area between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. on December 8, 2024, with dashcam footage, residential or business video surveillance that may assist with the investigation to contact the London Police Service.

Photos of the men have been obtained and attached to the website.A picture of the suspects

The property damage is estimated to be approximately $22, 000.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.

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London Police Service Police Press Releases

Another “Falls” Off Building After Wellness Check

LONDON, ON (December 19, 2024) – On Thursday, December 19, 2024, shortly after 1 p.m., officers attended an apartment building in the 3000-block of Pomeroy Lane to locate a male for whom police had safety concerns.  

At approximately 1:30 p.m., while on scene, officers were alerted to a 9-1-1 call reporting that someone had fallen from a balcony at the same location. 

The officers immediately attended to the individual and located an injured adult male outside the building. The man was transported to hospital by paramedic services, where he was later pronounced deceased. 

The Special Investigations Unit was notified and has invoked its mandate. As such, all inquiries regarding the investigation may be directed to the Special Investigations Unit at 416-622-0748 or 1-800-787-8529.  

24-117928 

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London Police Service Police Press Releases

Shot(s) Fired – Nicholas Traviss Arrested

LONDON, ON (December 18, 2024) – Members of the LPS Street Crime Unit with the assistance of the LPS Guns and Gangs Section, have arrested one of the three outstanding suspects in the shooting investigation which occurred in the 200-block of Simcoe Street in last month.

As a result, Nicholas Traviss, 28, of London, has been charged with the following offences:

  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm;
  • Careless use of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition;
  • Break, enter and commit; and,
  • Discharge firearm with intent to wound/endanger life or prevent arrest.

The accused appeared in London court on December 9, 2024, in relation to the charges.

Investigators continue to search for two additional suspects.

The first suspect is described as male, Indigenous, approximately 25-35 years old, larger build, average height, wearing a black or dark navy “Jordan” hooded sweater, black pants and grey running shoes with white laces and white soles. He has black facial hair on his chin and a thin black moustache.

The second suspect is described as male, White, approximately 25-35 years old and walks with a slight lean to his right, wearing grey jeans with red markings on the inside of the pant legs below the knee, a black jacket with red inner lining and black high-top sneakers.

Investigators continue to urge members of the public that may have been in the 200-block of Simcoe Street between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, who may have dash-cam, residential or business video surveillance that could assist with the investigation, or who may be able to identify these outstanding suspects to contact the London Police Service.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.

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London Police Service Police Press Releases

London Police Take $8 Million Worth Of Drugs Off Steets

LONDON, ON (December 18, 2024) – Between July and December of 2024, members of the London Police Service Guns and Gangs Section, with the assistance of members of various other areas within the service, seized multiple guns, drugs and cash from the streets of London. 

“The hard work of our members has delivered significant results.  We have seized large quantities of dangerous drugs, particularly fentanyl and carfentanil, which are driving the opioid crisis and taking far too many lives in our community.  Our continued enforcement efforts have also removed illegal firearms from our streets, contributing to a 48% reduction in gun violence in London.  These results reflect our strong commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of our city,” said Chief Thai Truong. 

“The safety of our community is the number one priority for the London Police Service, and our work continues. I commend our Guns and Gangs Section for the tremendous work they have done to make our community a safer place,” said Deputy Chief Paul Bastien. 

Detective Sergeant Josh Silcox, head of the LPS Guns and Gangs Section said, “Drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession poses a safety risk to everyone in our city. Combating drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession is a team effort that not only involves our team, but our community partners and all Londoners.” 

Since July of 2024, a total of 32 investigations by members of the Guns and Gangs Section resulted in multiple search warrants executed in London, with the following items seized as a result:  

  • 16.9kg of fentanyl
  • 14kg of Cocaine
  • Close to 700 pounds of cannabis seized
  • 27kg of cannabis resin products
  • 2kg of Methamphetamine
  • 2820 dilaudid pills
  • 2249 Oxycodone pills
  • 2.8kg of psilocybin
  • Almost 1kg of carfentanil
  • Over 1kg of MDMA
  • 19 firearms seized
  • Over $650,000 in cash proceeds of drug trafficking

The seized drugs are estimated to have a street value of approximately $8,404,427.

As a result of the warrants and seizures, a total of 70 people were charged resulting in a combined 160 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act charges, and 371 Criminal Code of Canada charges.

Anyone who wishes to report information in relation to firearms or illegal drug trafficking is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.  

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London Police Service Police Press Releases

Child Pedestrain Suffers Life Threatening Injuries #PedestrianLivesMatter

LONDON, ON (December 16, 2024) – A young boy is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after a motor vehicle collision late this afternoon in the south end of the city.

Shortly before 4 p.m., on Monday, December 16, 2024, emergency crews responded to a serious motor vehicle collision in the area of Longwoods and Murray roads involving a pedestrian.

A young child was transported to hospital by paramedic services with life-threatening injuries.

All involved parties remained at the scene.

Longwoods Road was closed between Colonel Talbot and Kilbourne roads for a period of time.

The investigation has been reassigned to the London Police Service Traffic Management Unit and is ongoing.

Police are asking anyone who may have dash-cam footage or video surveillance in the Longwoods Road near Murray Road between 3:45 – 4:05 p.m., or information that can assist with the investigation, to contact police. 

The investigation is in its early stages, and more information will be released as appropriate

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers. 

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London Police Service Police Press Releases

Shooting Outside London Hospital – Suspect(s) At Large

UPDATE # 2 – LONDON, ON (December 14, 2024) – The investigation into an overnight shooting outside a London hospital continues. 

Investigators have learned that the initial altercation in the area of White Oaks and Southdale roads involved possible gunfire and believe that the victim drove himself to the hospital, followed by the suspect vehicle. The victim was believed to be targeted, and at no time did anyone from the suspect vehicle enter the hospital. 

Fortunately, there were no reported injuries aside from the adult male victim. 

The victim has been released from hospital. 

Investigators are reminding members of the public who may have dash-cam footage or video surveillance in the areas of White Oaks and Southdale roads or Commissioners Road East and Wellington Road between 2:10 – 2:35 a.m., or information that can assist with the investigation, to contact police. 

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.   

UPDATE # 1 – LONDON, ON (December 14, 2024) – Members of the London Police Service Major Crime Section are investigating a shooting that took place overnight. 

On Saturday, December 14, 2024, at approximately 2:30 a.m., police responded to a reported shooting in the area of Commissioners Road East and Wellington Road. 

Upon arrival, officers located a pickup truck that had struck a cement pillar outside of the emergency room entrance to the hospital. Police located evidence that a gun had been fired multiple times. The vehicle, and the outside of the building, had been struck by bullets. 

An adult male victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and remains in hospital. 

Investigators do not believe this was a random incident. 

Through the course of the investigation, officers learned that there was an earlier altercation between the victim and suspect in the area of White Oaks and Southdale roads. 

The suspect vehicle is described as a 4-door silver or grey sedan, possibly a Hyundai Sonata. 

Investigators are asking anyone who may have dash-cam footage or video surveillance in the areas of White Oaks and Southdale roads or Commissioners Road East and Wellington Road between 2:10 – 2:35 a.m., or information that can assist with the investigation, to contact police. 

The investigation is in its early stages, and more information will be released as appropriate.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.   

For media inquiries, contact:

Sgt. Sandasha Bough
Media Relations Officer
C. 519-854-8576
Email. Media Officer

ORIGINAL – LONDON, ON (December 14, 2024) – The London Police Service are investigating an incident that occurred in the area of Commissioners Road East and Wellington Road. 

Please expect a high police presence in the area. 

The investigation is still ongoing. 

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.  

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London Police Service Police Press Releases

Police Officer Arrested Again

LONDON, ON (May 7, 2024) – Earlier today, members of the London Police Service arrested an off-duty member of the LPS in relation to a criminal harassment investigation into repeated communication with a victim over email and phone.

The officer was arrested shortly after 1 p.m., in north end of the city and transported to the London Police Service Headquarters Detention Unit.

At the time of the arrest, the off-duty officer was found to be in breach of court-imposed conditions.

As a result of the investigation, Constable Juan Ernesto Romero-Hernandez, 47, of London, was charged with the following Criminal Code of Canada offences:

  • Criminal harassment by repeated communication; and
  • Fail to comply with release order.

The accused was remanded in custody and is expected to re-appear in London court tomorrow in relation to the charges.

The officer has 20 years of service with the LPS and is presently suspended with pay.  

As this matter is before the court, the London Police Service is unable to provide additional information. 

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London Police Service Police Press Releases

Another Pimp Arrested In London

LONDON, ON (April 19, 2024) – Members of the London Police Service Human Trafficking Unit have laid charges in relation to an investigation in the south end of the city.

Yesterday, April 18, 2024, investigators were in the 600-block of Wellington Road when they located a vehicle bearing stolen licence plates in a south-end parking lot. Officers observed a male operating the suspect vehicle. A female exited the passenger side and entered a nearby hotel.

At approximately 1 p.m., the driver of the suspect vehicle was arrested.

The investigation revealed that the suspect male had advertised sexual services of a female, and was financially benefiting from those services.

As a result of the investigation, Brant Rhiel Blanchette, 54, of Manitoba, has been charged with the following offences:

  • Material benefit from sexual services;
  • Advertising another person’s sexual services; and
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000.

The accused is expected to appear in London court on June 3, 2024, in relation to the charges.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.