Category: Ottawa

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Ottawa Police Press Releases

Saad NASER Was Arrested, Details Released

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid impaired driving related charges against an individual from Ottawa as a result of a multi-vehicle collision.

Shortly before 11:30 p.m. on September 20, Ottawa OPP members were called to a four-vehicle collision on Highway 417 westbound near Metcalfe Rd. Officers suspected one of the drivers to be under the influence of alcohol. A roadside screening device was utilized, however the driver later refused to provide breath samples to an OPP Qualified Breath Technician. 

As a result, Saad NASER, 39 years of age faces the following charges:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Refuse to comply with demand
  • Dangerous operation
  • Drive while prohibited – two counts
  • Operate a motor vehicle without insurance

The accused, who already had two Criminal Code driving suspensions, was issued a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension as a result of the impaired driving charges and had his vehicle impounded for seven days. Two people, including the accused, suffered minor injuries from the collision and were transported to hospital by EMS. The accused is set to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa at a later date.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

AI Nabs 60 Year Old – Details Released

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ontario Provincial Police’s (OPP) Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) Team have laid impaired driving related charges against an individual from Ottawa after the ALPR camera alerted them to a possible suspended driver.

Shortly before 4:00 p.m. on September 19, OPP stopped the vehicle on Highway 417 westbound near Maitland Avenue after receiving an ALPR camera notification that the registered owner of the vehicle was a suspended driver. Upon speaking with the driver, the officer suspected they might be intoxicated by alcohol. A roadside screening device was utilized which resulted in the driver being taken back to Ottawa Detachment for further testing.

As a result, Patrick ROONEY, 60 years of age faces the following charges:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Driving while under suspension
  • Drive motor vehicle, no permit

The accused received a 90-day driving suspension and had his vehicle impounded for seven days. The accused is set to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa at a later date.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

OPP Charge 81% More Novice Drivers

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have noticed that novice drivers in the Ottawa area are being charged with Provincial Offences Act (POA) charges at an increased rate compared to the same period last year.

The OPP compiled statistics from January 1 to August 31, 2024 and January 1 to August 31, 2025. During that time, Ottawa OPP has seen an increase of 81% in novice driver charges. This includes G1, G2, M1 and M2 drivers. In 2024, Ottawa OPP laid 1305 POA charges against novice drivers, compared to 2376 charges laid in the same period in 2025. While the number of speeding charges has increased modestly by 2%, other charges have seen a significant increase. These serious offences, which include Stunt Driving and Distracted Driving, carry increased consequences for novice drivers. Penalties include longer suspensions upon conviction and novice drivers may be required to restart the Graduated Licencing program. This can have a residual effect for all drivers as insurance rates continue to increase.

The OPP reminds motorists that having a driver’s licence is a privilege, not a right. Together, we can make the changes necessary to ensure that Ontario roads are safe for all drivers.

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North Grenville OPP Ottawa

Kristen LEADER Was Arrested Again

(NORTH GRENVILLE, ON) – An Ottawa resident faces charges in connection with the illegal purchase of a firearm and the seizure of illegal drugs.

An individual, whose possession and acquisition licence for firearms had been revoked for public safety reasons, was in possession of an illegally purchased shotgun.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) OPP Community Street Crime was notified of the incident, and efforts were made to contact the individual.

That person turned themself in to the OPP on Thursday, September 11, 2025, and a search warrant was executed later that day at a residence on Morningmist Way in Ottawa.

Officers located the firearm, which was not secured, as well as ammunition and a quantity of suspected methamphetamine.

34-year-old Kristen LEADER has been charged with:

  • Careless storage of a firearm
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance
  • Fail to comply with a probation order.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on October 3, 2025.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Sulu JUMA Facing Numerous Charges

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged an Ottawa resident with impaired driving and numerous other offences, following an alert from the Automated Licence Plate Reader (ALPR) system indicating the individual was a suspended driver. 

Shortly after 4:30 p.m. on September 7, officers were patrolling Highway 417 near Woodroffe Avenue when the ALPR system flagged a suspended driver. During the traffic stop, officers suspected the driver may have been impaired by alcohol. A roadside screening device was utilized, and the driver was taken to the Ottawa Detachment for further testing. 

Further investigation revealed the driver, who held a G2 licence, had two active driving prohibitions and no insurance on the vehicle. The driver was also carrying 10 passengers in an eight-seat vehicle, including children who were not properly secured. 

Sulu JUMA, 43 years of age, faces the following charges: 

  • Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs 
  • Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus) 
  • Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code (two counts) 
  • Novice Driver – B.A.C. Above Zero 
  • Operate a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance 
  • Class G2 Licence Holder – More Passengers Than Seatbelts 
  • Fail to Ensure Toddler Properly Secured (two counts) 
  • Fail to Ensure Child Properly Secured (two counts) 
  • Careless Driving 
  • Fail to Have Insurance Card 
  • Fail to Surrender Permit for Motor Vehicle 
  • Drive Motor Vehicle – No Currently Validated Permit 

Juma is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa at a later date. In addition to the charges, his driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days and the vehicle was impounded for 45 days. 

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Shane RICE Arrested After Driving Alone

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid impaired driving charges against an individual from Ottawa after stopping them for a traffic violation.

Shortly before 2:00 p.m. on September 5, an officer observed the accused driving alone in the High Occupancy Vehicle Lane (HOV) on Highway 417 eastbound near Moodie Drive. After stopping the vehicle, the officer had reason to believe the driver was under the influence of alcohol. A roadside screening device was utilized and the driver was brought back to Ottawa Detachment for further testing.

As a result, Shane RICE, 44 years of age, faces the following charges:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Improper use of high occupancy vehicle lane
  • Disobey sign

Rice received an immediate 90-day driving suspension and his vehicle was impounded for seven days. He is set to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa at a later date.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Officers Struck – Teen Arrested

(OTTAWA, ON) – There was a major traffic safety initiative in Ottawa Friday night, which included support from the sky.

Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Highway Safety Division and Ottawa OPP Detachment joined forces with an aircraft from OPP Aviation Services to target dangerous driving. One incident saw two officers struck by a fleeing vehicle.

A group of drivers, gathered in the Alti Place area of Ottawa, near Highway 416, had their plans for illegal racing shutdown. Officers converged on the area, while the OPP plane circled above. When two vehicles started street-racing, officers attempted to stop them. One vehicle stopped, while the other struck two OPP officers and fled. The officers were not seriously hurt, and the aircraft was able to track the fleeing vehicle until other officers could successfully stop it and arrest the driver.

Pramod PERSAD, age 19 of Kanata has been charged under the Criminal Code, Highway Traffic and Cannabis Control Act with:

  • Assaulting a police officer with a weapon – two counts
  • Flight from a peace officer
  • Dangerous operation
  • Race a vehicle
  • Stunt driving
  • Driving with cannabis readily available
  • Driving without two licence plates
  • Obstructing a licence plate
  • Colour coating obscuring interior (window tint was too dark)

The other driver, who did stop, also faces Highway Traffic Act charges.

In another incident, officers observed two motorcycles driving at high speeds on Highway 417 and Highway 416. The OPP aircraft tracked them, recording speeds up to 230 km/h. The plane followed them off the highway and through Barrhaven, where they could be seen lane splitting, weaving through traffic and running red lights. One motorcycle was successfully tracked to a residence in Barrhaven. 20-year-old Anthony NAJM of Ottawa was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code, Highway Traffic Act and Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act with:

  • Dangerous driving
  • Stunt driving
  • Speeding
  • No insurance
  • Use a licence plate not authorized
  • Driving a motorcycle with no motorcycle licence

Officers on the ground were busy, even without support from above:

  • A 17-year-old G2 driver was caught traveling 185 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 417. They were charged with stunt driving. Vehicle was impounded, licence suspended and a date in court.
  • A 37-year-old driver was stopped for traveling at 155 km/h in a 100 km/h on Highway 417 and was also charged for improper use of an HOV lane. Vehicle was impounded, licence suspended and a date in court.

“This was an outstanding example of teamwork, with a goal of making our highways and streets safer. This involved not only officers on the ground and in the air, but also excellent work by our OPP Communications Centre professionals.”

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Gregory Haddock – Impaired Operation

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid impaired driving related charges against an individual from Ottawa after they struck a police cruiser.

Shortly after 9:00 p.m. on August 13, OPP members were conducting a traffic stop on St. Laurent Boulevard when the rear cruiser was struck by a vehicle. Officers suspected the driver to be under the influence of alcohol. A roadside breath test was conducted and the driver was brought back to Ottawa Detachment for further testing. The driver registered more than twice the legal limit.

As a result, Gregory Haddock, 45 years of age, has been charged with the following:

  • Adult operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Adult operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Dangerous operation
  • Driving motor vehicle while liquor readily available
  • Novice driver – B.A.C above zero

Haddock, who is a G2 driver, received an automatic 90-day driving suspension and had his vehicle impounded for seven days. Haddock is set to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa at a later date.

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Ottawa Police Press Releases

Andrew Boschetti – Impaired Driving

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid Impaired Driving related charges against an individual from Prescott after they rolled their vehicle on Highway 416.

Shortly before 1:00 a.m. on July 27th, OPP responded to reports of a vehicle that had rolled over on Highway 416 near Hunt Club Road. Officers suspected the driver had been consuming alcohol. A roadside screening device was utilized and the driver was brought back to detachment for a breath test. The driver registered more then twice the legal limit.

As a result, Andrew Boschetti, 37 years of age, faces the following charges:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Dangerous operation

The accused had his licence suspended for 90 days and his vehicle impounded for 7 days. He is set to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa at a later date.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Zachary Brake Was Arrested

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid impaired driving related charges against an individual from Ottawa, after receiving a notification from the Automated Licence Plate Reader (ALPR) that they were a suspended driver.

Shortly after 1:00 p.m. on July 23, OPP were patrolling on Merivale Road near Baseline Road when the officer was alerted to the suspended driver by his ALPR camera. While speaking to the driver, police had reason to believe he may be impaired by alcohol. A roadside screen device was utilized and the driver was taken back to Ottawa Detachment for a breath test. The driver, who also had a G2 licence, was a suspended driver and did not have insurance on his vehicle. Officers also located open alcohol in the vehicle.

As a result, Zachary Brake, 29 years of age, faces the following charges:

  • Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
  • Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
  • Driving While Under Suspension
  • Operate a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance
  • Drive Motor Vehicle with Open Container of Liquor
  • Drive Motor Vehicle – No Permit
  • Novice Driver – B.A.C Above Zero

Brake had his licence suspended for 90 days and had his vehicle impounded for seven days. Brake is scheduled to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa in at a later date.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Amneet SANDHU Was Arrested

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid Impaired Driving related charges against an individual from Ottawa.

Shortly after 7:00 p.m. on July 20, OPP members received a call about a vehicle that had crashed on Highway 417 near Innes Rd. Witnesses stated that the driver had been racing another vehicle when he lost control of his car after failing to make the curve at the 174/417 split. The driver, who was transported to hospital with minor injuries, had been consuming alcohol and registered more then twice the legal limit. Officers also located alcohol and cannabis inside the vehicle.

As a result, Amneet SANDHU, 28 years of age, faces the following charges:

  • Operation while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
  • Operation while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
  • Dangerous Operation
  • Race a Motor Vehicle
  • Driver – Fail to Properly Wear Seatbelt

Sandhu had his drivers licence suspended for 90 days as a result of the impaired charges and also received a 30-day driving suspension for racing a motor vehicle. Sandhu is set to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa at a later date.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Dean PERSEO Was Arrested

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged an individual from Ottawa with Impaired Driving related charges.

Shortly after 4:00 a.m. on July 20, Ottawa OPP responded to a report of a single-vehicle collision in the center median of Highway 417, near Richardson Side Road. Upon arrival, officers observed signs of confusion from the driver when inquiring about the cause of the incident. A roadside screening device was administered, which led to the driver being transported to the Ottawa Detachment for further testing.

Dean PERSEO, 51 years of age faces the following charges:

  • Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
  • Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)

Perseo is scheduled to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice, in Ottawa at a later date. As a result of the charges, the individual’s driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Pervert Alert – Sam PORGHAVAMI, Child Pornography, Etc.

(OTTAWA, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Child Sexual Exploitation Unit (CSEU), with the assistance of the OPP Digital Forensics Unit and the Ottawa Police Service, has arrested and charged an Ottawa resident following an online child sexual exploitation investigation.

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, police executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Ottawa and seized a quantity of electronic devices.

As a result of the investigation, Sam PORGHAVAMI, 38 years of age from Ottawa, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

·        Make arrangement to commit a sexual offence against a person under 16 years of age, section 172.2(1) – two counts

·        Make child pornography, section 163.1(2)

The accused was released from custody following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa on Friday, July 25, 2025.

“Protecting children from exploitation is not just a responsibility – it is a moral imperative. Each investigation reflects our strong commitment to safeguarding their right to safety and ensuring that offenders are held accountable.”

– Detective Staff Sergeant Chris Barkey, OPP CSEU

The safety and protection of children is a top priority for the OPP, and we remain committed to identifying and pursuing individuals who use technology to exploit them. Parents are encouraged to help protect their children from online sexual exploitation by speaking with their children regarding internet safety. Parents can find resources to assist them at cybertip.ca or protectchildren.ca.

Anyone with any new information online child exploitation may contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000. Information can also be reported through cybertip.ca.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Jimesleck THERASSAN Was Arrested

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged an Ottawa resident as a result of an impaired driving investigation.

Shortly after 6:00 a.m. on July 1, 2025, officers responded to a report of a taxi stopped in the bullnose area of a highway. The driver appeared to be asleep behind the wheel. Officers made the demand for the driver to provide a breath sample into an Approved Screening Device (ASD). The individual refused to comply.

As a result, Jimesleck THERASSAN, 45 years of age, has been charged with the following offences:

  • Failure or refusal to comply with demand – contrary to the Criminal Code
  • Stopped vehicle on a prohibited part of a highway – contrary to the Highway Traffic Act

Therassan is scheduled to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice, in Ottawa at a later date. As a result of the charges, the individual’s driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Dark Web Drug Bust

(OTTAWA, ON) – Project BIONIC has resulted in the seizure of more than 27 kilograms and 64,000 tablets of 37 different illegal drugs and prescription medications, including fentanyl, hydromorphone, methamphetamine, ketamine and MDMA, destined to be shipped across Canada through various courier services and Canada Post.

In November 2024, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Covert Internet Intelligence Unit (CIIU) initiated Project BIONIC. A first of its kind for the OPP, this intelligence-led investigation, which aimed at dismantling an operation that used a dark web marketplace to ship a high volume of drugs, was led by the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB). 

The investigation revealed that orders were placed through a dark web marketplace, then packaged and shipped to locations across the country, including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nunavut, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec.

On Monday, March 10, 2025, members from OPP OCEB arrested two individuals at a Canada Post location in Ottawa and seized 86 packages containing various drugs ready to be shipped to addresses across Canada.

On Monday, March 10, 2025, four search warrants were executed at one vehicle and three residences in Gloucester, Nepean by members from:

  • OPP OCEB
  • OPP Provincial Auto Theft and Towing (PATT) Team
  • East Region OPP Community Street Crime Units
  • OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit (PAFU)
  • OPP Digital Forensics
  • OPP Cybercrime Investigations Team

Officers seized the following items:

  • A handgun, an extended magazine and ammunition
  • Approximately $95,000 in Canadian currency
  • Electronic devices
  • A stolen 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider convertible valued at more than $400,000
  • Fraudulent licence plates
  • Reprogrammable key fobs
  • A diagnostic and programmer tool

As a result of the investigation, the following drugs were seized:

  •  Approximately 5.5 kg of suspected fentanyl
  •  Approximately 7.6 kg of suspected methamphetamine
  •  Approximately 3.7 kg of suspected MDMA powder
  •  Approximately 2 kg of suspected heroin
  •  Approximately 1.8 kg of suspected cocaine
  •  Approximately 1.4 kg of suspected ketamine
  •  Approximately 5.8 kg of cannabis resin (hash)
  •  More than 47,955 hydromorphone tablets
  •  More than 6,580 methylphenidate tablets
  •  More than 3,175 morphine tablets
  •  More than 2,395 suspected MDMA tablets
  •  More than 1,785 oxycodone tablets
  •  More than 40 fentanyl patches
  •  Approximately 35 g of suspected black tar heroin
  •  More than 40 steroid liquid vials
  •  More than 715 pregabalin tablets
  •  Approximately 590 g of dried cannabis
  •  A large quantity of other prescription medications

The estimated street value of the drugs seized is more than $2.5 million.

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, members of PATT, OCEB and the OPP Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant where they located and recovered 11 stolen vehicles. The vehicles recovered include:

  • Two Toyota Highlanders
  • Three Toyota Sequoias
  • Five Toyota Tundras
  • One Lexus RX

The estimated value of these recovered vehicles is $730,000.

Four individuals have been charged with a combined 85 offences contrary to the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. For further details on the accused and their respective charges, please see the Addendum of Charged Persons found within the Project BIONIC media kit.

Anyone with any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, diversion of prescription medication or auto theft should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

The PAFU portion of the investigation continues with the assistance of the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada.