Category: Ottawa Police Service

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OPP Ottawa Ottawa Police Service Police Press Releases

Kyanoush REZAEI Wanted By Police – Do Not Approach, Call 911 Immediately

(Ottawa) — The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit (PWEU) is advising that a Bench Warrant has been issued for the arrest of Kyanoush REZAEI, 33, of Ottawa. REZAEI cut off his ankle monitor and failed to appear for sentencing. He is on recent release awaiting sentencing for firearms trafficking across the Canada/United States border in 2022 and other related charges.

As a condition of his release, REZAEI is required to wear an ankle monitor. On Monday, March 3rd, he removed the monitor and discarded it along Highway 417 near Thunder Road. Police believe he may have travelled to the Greater Toronto Area, Montreal, Cornwall, Akwesasne, or possibly attempted to enter the United States. 

REZAEI may be travelling in a black 2020 Land Rover Range Rover with an Ontario licence plate. He is also associated with a white 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus with an unknown licence plate.

REZAEI is described as a Middle Eastern man, 5’9”, approximately 215 lbs, with long wavy dark hair.

Police believe REZAEI has access to firearms and should be considered armed and dangerous.

If you see him, please call 911.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of REZAEI is asked to contact the Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement Squad (ROPE) at 416-808-5900 or 1-866-870-ROPE (7673) or the Ottawa Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit at 613-236-1222 extension 5050.

To stay anonymous, call Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at crimestoppers.ca. 

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Ottawa Police Service Police Press Releases

Sexual Assault With Weapon – Brice PIYAU Arrested

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit has charged a man following an investigation that began in October 2024.

Investigators believe that there may be other victims.

The accused approaches post-secondary international students with the ruse to help them with their immigration process.

Yesterday, Brice PIYAU, 47 years old from Ottawa, was arrested and charged with:

  • Sexual assault
  • Sexual assault with a weapon
  • Sexual assault with threats
  • Forcible confinement
  • Fraud under $5000

Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5944. Tips may also be sent electronically to [email protected].

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS).

We acknowledge that making these types of reports can be difficult. The Ottawa Police would like to reassure anyone wishing to make a report that we take all of these crimes very seriously and have supports available.

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OPP Ottawa Police Service Police Press Releases

Murder: Samuel LAURIN-GAUVREAU Wanted By Police

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit has charged two adults in the February 15th stabbing death of 25-year-old Omar Jonathan Grant of Ottawa.

25-year-old Jacob BLANCHARD appeared in court today and was remanded into custody. 

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of 19-year-old Samuel LAURIN-GAUVREAU of Ottawa for charges of second-degree murder and assault with a weapon. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5493.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca. 

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OPP Ottawa Police Service Police Press Releases

2 Police Officers Taken To Hospital #Don’tDoDrugs

(Ottawa) – Two Ottawa Police officers were hospitalized after being exposed to fentanyl and crystal meth during separate arrests.

In the early hours of February 5, 2025, an Ottawa Police officer was taken to the hospital after being exposed to fentanyl during a traffic stop and subsequent arrest of a 36-year-old man on Esprit Drive. Fortunately, thanks to an immediate response, the officer has since been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

Over 70 grams of Fentanyl and 146 grams of unknown white powder were seized. The man was charged with possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Only three days later, an officer from the Ottawa Police East division seized crystal meth from a male he arrested and started feeling nauseous and lightheaded during the transportation. The officer pulled over and the sergeant following his police cruiser called for paramedics. This officer was also transported to the hospital, has since been released and is doing well.

These incidents highlight the life-threatening risk fentanyl and other drugs pose to first responders. It also clearly demonstrates how the risk associated to the drug has devasted communities across Canada leaving thousands of people mourning the loss of their loved ones to drug overdoses.

For resources and information on substance abuse and addiction, harm reduction and community tools and programs, visit stopoverdoseottawa.ca. 

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca. 

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Ottawa Police Service Police Press Releases

Do You Recognize This Sexual Assault Suspect?

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Central Criminal Investigation Section is seeking public assistance to identify a suspect responsible for a sexual assault in the 500 block of Somerset Street West on December 29, 2024.

At approximately 3:10 p.m., the victim was riding an OC Transpo bus when the suspect approached them and began an interaction. The suspect then sexually assaulted the victim.

Anyone with information as to the identity of this individual or information about this incident is asked to contact the Central Criminal Investigation Section at 613-236-1222 at extension 5166.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca. 

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Ottawa Police Service Police Press Releases

Ahmed HOZAYEN – Murder

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit has arrested and charged a man in relation to the October 8th arson that killed 51-year-old Ottokie Kelly.

Ahmed HOZAYEN, 30-years-old, of Ottawa, has been charged with the following:

  • First degree murder
  • Arson disregard for human life
  • Arson causing bodily harm
  • Arson causing property damage
  • Possession of incendiary material for arson

He will appear in court later today.

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Ottawa Police Service Police Press Releases

Charges Laid in Pondhollow Way Homicide

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit has arrested and charged two people in relation to the January 10th homicide of Wilson Sabarros on Pondhollow Way.

Mia TEJADA, a 28-year-old woman and Omar ASSAAD, a 26-year-old man, both of Ottawa have been jointly charged with First Degree Murder.

They will both appear in court today.

Investigators are still asking anyone with information in relation to this incident contact the Homicide Unit at 613-236-1222 extension 5493.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca. 

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Ottawa Police Service Police Press Releases

Violent Rampage, 3 Injured – Jourdain DOYLE Arrested Again!

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Central Criminal Investigation Section has charged a man with multiple charges after several separate incidents yesterday afternoon in the downtown area that left at least three people with injuries.

Police were called to a building on Catherine Street at approximately 2:30 pm for a man causing a disturbance. Upon police arrival, the suspect had already fled the area.

Shortly afterward, police received multiple 9-1-1 calls for the same man damaging vehicles along Arlington Avenue.

The suspect then assaulted several people on Gladstone Avenue near Metcalfe Street while shouting derogatory racial slurs in relation to their specific ethnicities. Police arrived, and during his arrest, the accused also assaulted and threatened the officers.

Jourdain DOYLE, 37-years-old, of Ottawa, has been charged with:

–          Assault x3

–          Assault by choking, suffocating or strangling

–          Assault with a weapon

–          Intimidation by violence x2

–          Extortion x2

–          Mischief to property under $5000 x2

–          Uttering threats x8

–          Possession of a weapon for committing an offence

–          Assault of a peace officer x3

–          Resisting arrest

–          Robbery or assault with the intent to steal

–          Breach of Probation x2

DOYLE was held in custody and appeared in court today.

Ottawa Police are asking anyone who may have been injured and did not speak to police at the scene to contact investigators. If anyone witnessed these incidents or has information, please contact the Central Criminal Investigation Section at 613-236-1222, extension 5166.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca.

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Ottawa Police Service Police Press Releases

Melquis RIVERA – Aggravated Assault

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Central Criminal Investigation Section has charged a man in relation to an assault with a weapon at a residence in the 200 block of Nepean Street yesterday morning that left a man in critical condition.

Police were called to the building at approximately 4:35am for reports of a disturbance. Upon arrival one man was located with serious injuries, deemed to be from an assault. He was subsequently transported to hospital by paramedics, where he remains.

A short time later, the suspect was arrested nearby.

Melquis RIVERA, 60-years-old, of Ottawa, has been charged with the following:

  • Aggravated assault
  • Assault with a weapon

He appeared in court yesterday afternoon.

Ottawa Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to contact the Central Criminal Investigation Section at 613-236-1222, extension 5166.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca.

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Ottawa Police Service Police Press Releases

High School Assault – 2 Teens Arrested

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police East Criminal Investigation Section has charged two youth in relation to an assault with a weapon at Hillcrest High School yesterday morning that left two victims with serious injuries.

A 16-year-old male of Ottawa, has been charged with:

–          Aggravated assault

–          Assault with a weapon

–          Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public

A 15-year-old male of Ottawa, has been charged with:

–          Harassment by threatening conduct

–          Mischief 

The two other youths arrested yesterday have been released without charges pending further investigation.

None of the youths can be named as per the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Ottawa Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to contact the East Criminal Investigation Section at 613-236-1222, extension 3566.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca.

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Ottawa Police Service Police Press Releases

Pervert Alert: Geoffrey MCKENNA Arrested

(Ottawa) — Following a six-month investigation, the Ottawa Police Service West Criminal Investigations Unit has laid several charges against an Ottawa man.

The investigation was launched after multiple reports were received regarding a suspicious motor vehicle parking near a Stittsville home at night. The investigation later revealed several different homes were targeted in Stittsville, Richmond, Kars and North Gower.

Geoffrey MCKENNA, 30-years old, of Ottawa, Ontario, has been charged with:

  • Voyeurism x4,
  • Criminal harassment x2,
  • Mischief x2.

He appeared in court on January 8, 2024.

Investigators believe that there are additional victims and are seeking witnesses to report any similar events.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Investigations General line at 613-236-1222, extension 2666.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

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Ottawa Police Service Police Press Releases

Murder Update: Names Released

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit has completed the next of kin notification and can inform that the victim in the December 25th homicide on Spadina Avenue is 46-year-old Jolene Arreak of Ottawa. 

Manasi FOO, 35-years-old, of Ottawa, has been charged with second degree murder, he will appear in court today.     

FOO is also charged with attempted murder on a surviving victim who was treated in hospital and released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5493.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca. 

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Ottawa Police Service Police Press Releases

Pervert Alert – “Man” Arrested For Filming Females In Public Washroom

(Ottawa) — During the evening of December 14, 2024, the Ottawa Police Service responded to a business located in the 1-100 block of Elgin Street for reports of a man filming females inside the public washroom.

An arrest was made; however, there is a concern that there may be further victims who have not yet been identified by police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Central Investigations Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5166.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.

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Ottawa Police Service Police Press Releases

Second Degree Murder Charge and Arrest in 1996 Stabbing Death of Christopher Smith

(Ottawa) – A Vancouver man has been arrested and charged with second degree murder in relation to the stabbing death of Christopher Smith in 1996. A review of the cold case by the Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit detectives and advanced DNA technology were significant to the laying of this charge.

73-year-old Lawrence DIEHL was arrested in Vancouver on December 10 and returned to Ottawa by investigators on December 13. He appeared in court on December 14.

Background

In the early morning hours of April 12, 1996, 22-year-old Christopher Smith was stabbed to death on the Portage Bridge between Ottawa and Gatineau, Quebec.

Advances in forensics and DNA have allowed police to identify the perpetrator and the matter is now before the court.

Ottawa Police investigators have worked on the cold case since 2020, in collaboration with the RCMP and Toronto Police Service. Using advanced DNA testing, including Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG), the suspect was identified as Lawrence Diehl and was arrested and charged thanks to significant assistance from the Vancouver Police Service.

Investigative genetic genealogy involves using genetic data from databases to trace potential family lineages as part of criminal investigations.

This is the first time Ottawa Police have used this technology.

“By bringing these charges, the Ottawa Police Service demonstrates once again that we will never stop working for victims of crime and their loved ones,” said Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs. “We will continue to embrace innovative techniques to solve cases, and I commend the members of our Homicide Unit for ensuring that no case is ever forgotten, and no effort is spared. We have spoken to the family of Mr. Smith to advise them of this development in the case. I also want to thank the Vancouver Police for their significant assistance in this investigation.” 

Investigators are seeking anyone with information regarding Diehl and his time in Ottawa.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5493.

Ottawa Police have 63 unsolved homicides cases that are repeatedly reviewed. Please view our other unsolved cases and rewards available for information leading to an arrest.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or by visiting crimestoppers.ca. 

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Ottawa Police Service Police Press Releases

Stay Safe This Winter Season: Ice, Trail, and Winter Activity Safety Tips

(Ottawa)—With winter in full swing, the Ottawa Police Service reminds residents to exercise caution during seasonal activities and follow essential precautions to stay safe. 

Ice Safety 

Ottawa’s waterways are beautiful but unpredictable, especially during the winter months. Despite freezing temperatures, ice thickness can vary greatly, presenting serious hidden dangers. 

Everyone, even strong swimmers, are at risk in icy water due to its frigid temperatures, which can lead to hypothermia and make self-rescue nearly impossible. 

  • Avoid venturing onto icy waterways: Ice is inherently dangerous and unpredictable, particularly at this time of year. Always stay away from rivers, ponds, creeks, and ditches, even if they appear frozen. 
  • Supervise children and pets: Children are naturally curious and may wander toward icy areas, which can be life-threatening. A child can drown in less than two inches of water. Keep pets leashed near waterways, as rescuing a pet can place you in danger. 
  • Do not attempt a rescue: If someone or a pet ventures onto thin ice and falls through, do not follow them. Call 9-1-1 immediately for professional help. 

Skaters should, consult the City of Ottawa’s Skating Safety & Regulations page  or the National Capital Commission (NCC) Rideau Canal Skateway page for public skating locations. Always check conditions and respect any barriers or closure signs. 

Trail Safety 

Winter trails offer great opportunities for recreation, but they come with their own set of risks. During the winter, you will find the Ottawa Police Marine Dive and Trail (MDT) officers on many trails in our area doing education and enforcement with drivers of off-road vehicles and snowmobiles. 

To stay safe: 

  • Stay on designated trails and avoid waterways, even if they appear frozen. 
  • Adjust your driving to the changing conditions.  Trail conditions will change over the course of a day due to weather, traffic, and other conditions.   

Motorized Snow Vehicles (Snowmobiles): 

  • Always wear proper safety equipment. 
  • Carry proof of valid insurance, ID, and a trail pass.  
  • Stay on designated trails and avoid trespassing or venturing onto ice or water. 
  • Drive sober and obey posted speed limits. 
  • Operate snowmobiles during daylight hours when visibility is better. 

Check the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) website for trail openings, updates, training and more. 

Sledding and Tobogganing Safety 

For families enjoying sledding or tobogganing, follow these safety tips: 

  • Only sled on hills that are free of obstacles like trees, rocks, and fences. Respect any city signs or barriers. 
  • Avoid icy hills or those near roads, railways, or bodies of water. 
  • Always wear a helmet. Hockey or ski helmets are recommended for their impact resistance and cold-weather design. 
  • Supervise children at all times.  
  • Avoid sledding after dark. 

General Winter Safety 

Whatever activity you choose, always recognize the risks and stay aware of your surroundings. 

  • Tell someone your plan: Inform someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Ensure your cell phone is fully charged but recognize that reception may vary depending on your location. 
  • Help us find you in an emergency. Download the What3Words app. 

Whether you’re skating, sledding, or enjoying the trails, planning and taking precautions will help ensure a safe and memorable winter season.