Category: Niagra Police Service

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Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases

Jeffrey BATTLE – Sexual Assault

In January of 2025, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to the Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) began an investigation into a sexual assault that occurred in the City of St. Catharines.

Investigation revealed that a female and male met via an online dating app. 

As a result of the investigation, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, Jeffrey BATTLE (20 years) of St. Catharines, was arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:

–          Sexual Assault

–          Overcome Resistance by Attempting to Choke

Anyone with further information related to this incident is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, ext. 1009535.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

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Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases

Niagara Police Naming & Shaming Drunk Drivers #Victory

In an effort to bring further attention and deterrence to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, the Niagara Regional Police Service will be reporting the names of those people who are charged with an alleged criminal impaired driving offence in the Region.

In addition to being charged, these individuals are also bound by a Ministry of Transportation 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension.

The following individuals have been charged criminally with impaired driving by alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 80 mgs or above of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or refusing to provide a breath / blood sample.           

Dakota J. REID, 30 years, Thorold

Roy C. TOMLINSON, 39 years, St Catharines

Andrew FALING, 33 years, Niagara Falls NY

Spencer M. DEBEERS, 23 years, Rochester NY

Teresita D. CAMACHO FLORES, 36 years, Niagara Falls

Anthony MACIAS, 38 years, Las Vegas NV

The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to reducing impaired driving offences through education and the apprehension of offenders through enforcement programs like R.I.D.E. Impaired driving is still the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada and affects thousands of lives every year.

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Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases

DNA Match: Mohammad Daysir AL SHABO Arrested

Niagra Regional Police

On August 3, 2023, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to the 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) Street Crime Unit received judicial authorization to execute a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a motel in Niagara Falls.

Upon execution of the search warrant police located a silver Ruger .22 Long Rifle Mark II target handgun with the serial number scratched off. The firearm was subsequently seized and sent to the Centre of Forensic Science by the NRPS Forensic Services Unit for DNA analysis.

On January 22, 2025, a DNA profile was extracted from the Ruger handgun and a male suspect was identified. On Monday, February 24, 2025, uniform members arrested Mohammad Daysir AL SHABO (19 years) and charged him with the following Criminal Code offence:

–          Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

AL SHABO was held in custody and is scheduled to attend the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

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Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases

Children Sexually Exploited: Tayjhon Aquon WILLIAMS HAMILTON Arrested

In February 2022, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Detectives assigned to the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit commenced an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children over a social media platform. 

On February 20, 2025, Detectives from Niagara Regional Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit and Technological Crime Unit executed a search warrant at a private residence in Thorold and seized numerous digital devices capable of storing electronic data.  Tayjhon Aquon WILLIAMS HAMILTON (24 years) was arrested and is now facing the following charges:

  • Possession of Child Pornography x 3
  • Accessing Child Pornography x 2
  • Making Child Pornography Available x 2

Tayjhon Aquon WILLIAMS HAMILTON was held in custody after his arrest and is set to appear for a bail hearing on February 21, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.

Online platforms that allow like-minded users to engage with minors, create, share, and store Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) are prevalent on the Internet.  Offenders who attempt to lure children behind anonymous accounts on different platforms can be identified and will be held accountable for their actions.

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Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases

Jordan R. GAUTHIER – Child Porn

Niagra Regional Police

In January 2025, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Detectives assigned to the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit commenced a joint investigation with the Brantford Police Service into the sexual exploitation of children over a social media platform. 

On February 15, 2025, Detectives from Niagara Regional Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit and Technological Crime Unit executed a search warrant at a private residence in Welland and seized numerous digital devices capable of storing electronic data.  Jordan R. GAUTHIER (41 years) was arrested and is now facing the following charges:

• Possession of Child Pornography x 2

• Accessing Child Pornography

• Making Child Pornography Available

Jordan R. GAUTHIER was held in custody after his arrest and is set to appear for a bail hearing on February 16, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.

Online platforms that allow like-minded users to engage with minors, create, share, and store Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) are prevalent on the Internet.  Offenders who attempt to lure children behind anonymous accounts on different platforms can be identified and will be held accountable for their actions.

For more information on how parents and guardians can keep children safe online CLICK HERE

The Niagara Regional Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet and conducts investigations into Internet Child Exploitation Offences in partnership with Ontario Police Services and International Partners. This investigative initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

Incident #25-12381

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Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases

Fatal Collision

Niagra Regional Police

On Thursday, February 6, 2025, at approximately 12:50am, 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) uniform officers with the Niagara Regional Police Service attended the area of Glendale Avenue and Welland Canals Parkway in the City of St. Catharines for a motor vehicle collision with fatal injuries. 

Investigation revealed a 24-year-old male was operating a silver Toyota Supra and is alleged to have been travelling at a high rate of speed, lost control, and collided with a building.   Tragically, the driver of that vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.  

The investigation remains on going by detectives with the Collision Reconstruction Unit with the Niagara Regional Police Service. 

Anyone with information, anyone with video footage, or anyone with dash camera footage is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3. ext. 1009367. 

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

#2025-13124

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Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases

34 Year Old Arrested For Child Porn – Name Released

Niagra Regional Police

In February 2024, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Detectives assigned to the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit began investigation into Child Pornography offences committed over Instagram. 

On January 30, 2025, ICE Unit detectives along with the Technological Crimes Unit detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of St Catharines.  As a result of theinvestigation, several digital devices suspected to have been used in the commission of the offences were seized and William Genaro ARGUETA (34-years) of St Catharines was arrested and is now facing the following Criminal Code charges:

• Possession of Child Pornography X2

• Accessing Child Pornography

• Making Child Pornography Available

ARGUETA was held in custody after his arrest and is set to appear for a bail hearing on January 31, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St Catharines.

Detectives believe that ARGUETA went online using variations of the username “random b0y” such as, “random.b0y”, “randomxb0y04”.

Online platforms that allow like-minded users to engage with minors, create, share, and store Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) are prevalent on the Internet. Offenders who attempt to lure children behind anonymous accounts on different platforms can be identified and will be held accountable for their actions.

For more information on how parents and guardians can keep children safe online CLICK HERE

The Niagara Regional Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet and conducts investigations into Internet Child Exploitation Offences in partnership with Ontario Police Services and International Partners. This investigative initiative has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

Incident #24-17889

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Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases

Educational Assistant Arrested for the Assault of a Student – Name Released

Niagra Regional Police

On January 10, 2025, detectives from the Niagara Regional Police Service Child Abuse Unit (CAU) began an investigation regarding an alleged assault of a student at a St. Catharines school.

The initial investigation determined that on December 17, 2024, the victim (a child under 9 years old) was involved in a disturbance in a classroom at St. Alfred School on Vine Street in St. Catharines.

The victim was physically removed from the classroom by two educational assistants to another room in the school. Once there, one of the educational assistants physically assaulted the child. The child was then assaulted with a weapon (blanket) by the same educational assistant.

The child was not physically injured. The age and gender of the victim are not being released in order to protect their identity.

On January 24, 2025, detectives arrested and charged Adam Martynek (28 years old) of St. Catharines with the Criminal Code offences of:

  • Assault
  • Assault with a Weapon

Martynek was held in custody for a video bail hearing to the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on January 24, 2025.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1008430.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

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Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases

Child Sexually Assaulted – TURNER & FOBERT Arrested #PervertAlert

Niagra Regional Police

In early January of 2025, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to the Child Abuse Unit (CAU) commenced an investigation into an alleged child sexual assault that occurred at a residence in Welland.

As a result of the investigation, James TURNER (26 years) of Welland, has been arrested and faces the following criminal charges:

–          Sexual Assault on a Person Under 16 Years of Age

–          Sexual Interference with a Person Under 16 Years of Age

–          Invitation to Sexual Touching a Person Under 16 Years of Age

–          Criminal Harassment

Amanda FOBERT (30 years) of Welland, has been arrested and faces the following criminal charges:

–          Sexual Assault on a Person Under 16 Years of Age

–          Sexual Interference with a Person Under 16 Years of Age

–          Invitation to Sexual Touching a Person Under 16 Years of Age

Detectives have reason to suspect there may be more victims.  Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009519.

TURNER and FOBERT are being held for a bail hearing scheduled to take place January 18, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

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Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases

Richard Stevens Arrested For Murder

Niagra Regional Police

On Thursday January 16, 2025, at approximately 3:30pm, investigators along with 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) uniform officers responded to a home in the area of Stacey Drive and Victor Drive in the City of Niagara Falls following information that a wanted person was inside a residence.

As a result, the Emergency Task Unit (ETU) and negotiators were called to the scene.

At approximately 7:30pm, the suspect was arrested without incident.

47-year-old Richard Stevens was arrested and charged with the following offence:

  • First Degree Murder

Stevens is currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.

Investigators would like to thank members of the public for their assistance in this matter.

Anyone who may have further information is asked to contact detectives at (905) 688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009103. 

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest. 

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Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases

Shawn DOWNEY – Robbery X3

Niagra Regional Police

On January 14, 2024, at approximately 9:45 pm, 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) responded to a robbery call at the Dairy Queen located at 5500 Ferry Street in Niagara Falls.

Upon investigation, it was determined that a male wearing a ski mask entered the restaurant, threatened an employee with a pocketknife, and demanded money from the register. The suspect then fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Officers quickly arrived at the scene and were able to locate the suspect a short distance away. Further investigation by 2 District Detectives revealed that the same individual was responsible for two additional robberies in the City of Niagara Falls.

On January 12, 2025, at approximately 8:40 pm, the suspect had entered a Subway restaurant at 5175 Victoria Avenue in Niagara Falls, confronted an employee with a box cutter knife, and demanded money from the register. The suspect then fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

On December 16, 2024, at about 6:45 pm, the suspect attended the Victoria and Maple Variety Store at 4623 Victoria Avenue. He approached an employee while brandishing a kitchen knife, again demanding money from the register. The suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed sum of cash.

There were no injuries as a result of these incidents.

Shawn DOWNEY (41 years old) of Niagara Falls, was arrested and charged with the following offences:

  • Robbery (3 Counts)
  • Disguise with Intent (3 Counts)

DOWNEY was held in custody pending a bail hearing that is expected to take place on January 15, 2025 at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009707.

Members of the public who wish to supply information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

#25-4870

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Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases

Joshua SCHOLTENS Facing Numerous Charges

Niagra Regional Police

In December of 2024, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Street Crime Detectives assigned to 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) initiated an investigation into an individual not complying with the conditions of his release order.

On Tuesday, January 7, 2025 Street Crime Detectives assigned to 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) and 2 District arrested the suspect Joshua SCHOLTENS (30 years). He was charged with the following criminal offence:

–          Fail to Comply with Release Order

Upon his arrest detectives formed grounds that SCHOLTENS was trafficking in illegal drugs. As a result, detectives received judicial authorization to execute a search warrant on a St. Catharines residence. Detectives located and seized the following:

–          55.4 grams of Cocaine with an estimated street value of $5540

–          587.3 grams of Psilocybin with an estimated street value of $5873

–          1.8 grams of Crystal Methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $180

–          $710 in Canadian Currency

Joshua SCHOLTENS of St. Catharines has been arrested and charged with the following additional criminal offences:

–          Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine X 2

–          Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Crystal Methamphetamine

–          Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Psilocybin

–          Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5000

–          Failing to Comply with Release Order X 2

SCHOLTENS remains in police custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing Wednesday, January 8, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact police by dialing 905-688-4111, dial option #3, extension #1022200.

­­­Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

Incident #25-2180

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Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases

Daniel CLARK – Criminal Harassment

Niagra Regional Police

On Friday, January 3, 2024, at approximately 1:05 pm, 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service responded to a threats call in the area of Oakwood Avenue and Parkwood Drive in the City of St. Catharines.

The initial information indicated that an adult female had noticed a male following her while she was walking in the area of Hartzel Road and Thorncliff Drive, in the City of St. Catharines. Despite her efforts to evade him, the male continued to follow her. The female eventually sought shelter at her residence, at which point she observed the male walk away.

Further investigation by detectives with 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) confirmed that the male had intentionally followed the female.

As a result, Daniel CLARK, a 51-year-old resident of St. Catharines, was arrested and charged with criminal harassment.

CLARK was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in court at a future date.

Detectives believe that CLARK may have engaged in similar behavior with other women in the past. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009783.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.

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Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases

Dog Shot – Anthony ANGOY Wanted By Police #RepeatOffender

On Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 3:38 a.m., 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara on the Lake) uniform officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service responded to a report of a shooting in Niagara Falls.

Officers attended a multi-unit residential apartment building on Jepson Street near Victoria Avenue. The Initial investigation determined that a male suspect attended a unit to visit the occupants. During the visit, a handgun was observed in the suspect’s waistband. As the suspect attempted to display the handgun it was discharged, striking a 1-year-old husky dog that was present. The suspect then fled from the scene on foot with the handgun. 

Responding officers observed the husky to be in medical distress and rushed her to an Emergency Veterinary Clinic in critical condition. The Niagara Regional Police Service K9 Unit attended the area and completed a search but did not locate the suspect.

The incident was assigned to 2 District Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) Detectives. As a result of the ongoing investigation Anthony ANGOY (26 years) of Thorold is wanted for the following Criminal Offences:

–          Careless Use of a Firearm

–          Possession of a Restricted Firearm Knowingly Not a License Holder

–          Possess Restricted Firearm with Ammunition

–          Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle

–          Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

–          Fail to Comply with Probation Order

–          Possess Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order X 2

ANGOY is encouraged to contact legal counsel and make arrangements to surrender himself into police custody. ANGOY is considered to be armed and should not be approached. If anyone has information on his whereabouts, they should call 911 immediately.

Upon arrival at the Emergency Veterinary Clinic, immediate lifesaving efforts were initiated for the husky. Fortunately, the husky stabilized and was transferred to the Peoples Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). The husky has since been referred to a veterinary clinic outside the region for continued medical treatment.

Anyone who may have further information is asked to contact detectives at (905) 688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009707.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

#25-1177

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Niagra Police Service Police Press Releases

$250,000 Drug Bust – Names Released

Niagra Regional Police

In December of 2024, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Street Crime Detectives assigned to 3 District (Welland/Pelham) commenced an investigation into the distribution of Fentanyl from an address in Port Colborne.

On Thursday, January 2, 2025, detectives received judicial authorization to execute a search warrant on a property in the area of Welland Street and Louis Street in the City of Port Colborne. As a result of the investigation two suspects have been arrested and detectives recovered the following:

–          5.048 kilograms of suspected fentanyl with an estimated street value of $252,400

–          13.9 grams of suspected Crystal Methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $1390

–          602 suspected Oxycodone pills with an estimated street value of $1806

–          $55,220 in Canadian Currency

–          Glock 9 mm handgun with a loaded magazine containing 10 rounds of ammunition

–          Glock 40 calibre handgun with a loaded magazine containing 13 rounds of ammunition

Jeffrey BOSTON (40 years) of Port Colborne has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:

–          Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

–          Possession of Crystal Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

–          Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

–          Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

–          Possession of a Restricted Firearm Knowingly Not a License Holder X 2

–          Careless Storage of a Firearm X 2

–          Possession of a Firearm Obtained by Crime

–          Possess Restricted Firearm with Ammunition

–          Possession of a Firearm Knowing the Serial Number Has Been Tampered With

–          Unauthorized Possession of a Restricted Firearm

–          Possess Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order X 2

Misti BARRON (42 years) of Port Colborne has been arrest and charged with the following criminal offences:

–          Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking

–          Possession of Crystal Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking

–          Possession of Oxycodone for the Purpose of Trafficking

–          Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

–          Possession of a Restricted Firearm Knowingly Not a License Holder X 2

–          Careless Storage of a Firearm X 2

–          Possession of a Firearm Obtained by Crime

–          Possess Restricted Firearm with Ammunition

–          Possession of a Firearm Knowing the Serial Number Has Been Tampered With

Both BOSTON and BARRON remain in police custody.  Both are scheduled to attend a bail hearing Friday, January 3, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the lead detective by dialing 905-688-4111, dial option #3, extension #1009635.

­­­Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

Incident #25-409