Category: Ottawa

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Brandace GAUDET Facing Numerous Charges

(OTTAWA, ON) – A member of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) Team has charged an individual from Woodlawn Ontario with drug and impaired driving related offences after a traffic stop on Highway 417.

Shortly before 10:30 a.m. on March 31, the OPP TIME Team member stopped a vehicle on Highway 417 near Panmure Rd, after the officer noticed that the vehicle did not have two licence plates. Upon stopping the vehicle, the officer noted an odour of alcohol on the driver. A roadside screening device was utilized and as a result, the driver was brought back to Ottawa Detachment for a breath test. The driver registered twice the legal limit. A search of the vehicle also turned up cannabis and unstamped cigarettes.

Brandace GAUDET, 49 years of age faces the following charges:

  • Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
  • Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
  • Driving Motor Vehicle with Open Container of Liquor
  • Have Care or Control of a Vehicle or Boat with Cannabis Readily Available
  • Possess Unmarked Cigarettes
  • Drive Motor Vehicle, No Currently Validated Permit
  • Entire Plate not Plainly Visible
  • Fail to Surrender Permit for Motor Vehicle
  • Fail to Surrender Licence

Gaudet was issued a 90-day driving suspension and had her vehicle impounded for seven days. She is scheduled to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.

This stop comes at the start of Operation Plate Week where police are targeting vehicles with tinted plate covers, plates that have become unreadable due to peeling or rust, vehicles without proper plates and any other licence plate violations. The operation continues through April 6 and is a combined effort between Ottawa OPP, Upper Ottawa Valley OPP, Renfrew OPP and the OPP TIME Team.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Beggar Kicks Car After Denied Handount

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid charges against an individual from Ottawa after they kicked a car, causing damage to it.

On March 23, 2025 Ottawa OPP were called to the Vanier Parkway off-ramp of Highway 417 because an aggressive panhandler had kicked a car and caused damage to it. The driver of the vehicle had refused to provide any money to the individual, which caused them to become more aggressive. A second call to 911 was made by another driver who was also concerned over the individual’s behaviour.

As a result, Sandro AUDIGE, 26 years of age, faces the following charges under the Criminal Code and Safe Streets Act.

  • Mischief Under $5,000
  • Solicit in an Aggressive Manner
  • Solicit Person in Vehicle On Roadway

A reminder that it is illegal to walk along any 400 series highway in Ontario. This includes the on and off-ramps.

Audige is scheduled to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Anna TOMCHYNSKA 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 12:00 a.m. on March 23, OPP received a traffic complaint regarding a possible impaired driver travelling westbound on Highway 417 near Pinecrest Rd. The vehicle was reported to be travelling well below the speed limit and weaving through traffic. OPP located and arrested the driver for Impaired Driving. The driver was taken back to Ottawa Detachment for a breath test where they registered twice the legal limit.

Anna TOMCHYNSKA, 33 years of age faces the following charges:

·      Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

·      Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)

Tomchynska received a 90-day driving suspension and her vehicle was impounded for seven days. She is set to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.

The OPP would like to thank members of the public that continue to report possible impaired drivers.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Cocaine Bust

(OTTAWA, ON) – Ten people are facing a combined 58 charges under the Criminal Code (CC) and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) after a drug trafficking investigation in Ottawa and the surrounding communities.

In late 2024, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG) began a drug trafficking investigation in Ottawa. Between March 3 and 5, 2025, members from the OPP-led PGNG, OPP Provincial Auto Theft and Towing Team, OPP Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit, Sûreté du Québec, Ottawa Police Service, Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau and Canada Border Services Agency executed six search warrants on residences in Ottawa, Gatineau and Renfrew, and three vehicle search warrants.

The following items were seized:

  •         Two firearms
  •         Approximately 1.17 kg of suspected cocaine
  •         Approximately 8 g of suspected fentanyl
  •         More than 150 pregabalin tablets
  •         More than 390 alprazolam tablets
  •         More than 100 hydromorphone tablets
  •         $187,419 in Canadian currency
  •         Two vehicles as offence-related property
  •         Nine cell phones
  •         Digital scales
  •         Pepper spray
  •         Luxury watches and jewellery
  •         Two money counters
  •         Packaging material

The estimated street value of the drugs seized is $113,000.

Further details relating to the accused and their respective charges can be found in the attached Addendum of Charged Persons.

Anyone with any information about illegal firearms or the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Oleksandr KATERYNYCH – Drunk Driving

(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 an early morning collision.

Shortly before 7:00 a.m. on March 12, OPP responded to reports of a three-vehicle collision on Highway 417 West, near Lees Avenue. One of the drivers was suspected of having consumed alcohol. The individual, who was a rideshare driver, had a passenger on board at the time. An approved roadside screening device was utilized and the individual was transported to the detachment for additional testing. The driver registered nearly three times the legal limit.

Oleksandr KATERYNYCH, 40 years of age faces the following charges:

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

The passenger suffered minor injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment.

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

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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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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

David WHALEN – Drunk Driving

(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 before 5:00 a.m. on March 2, Ottawa OPP responded to a single vehicle collision on Hwy 7. The officer noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from the driver. An approved roadside screening device was administered and as a result, the driver was brought back to Ottawa Detachment for further testing.

David WHALEN, 35 years of age faces the following charges:

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

Whalen is scheduled to appear in court later in March.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Fatal Collision

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating a fatal collision in the east end of Ottawa.

Shortly before 4:30 a.m. on February 25, a vehicle travelling eastbound on Highway 417 by Anderson Road had driven into the center median. The driver then exited their vehicle and attempted to walk across the highway, where they were struck by another vehicle travelling eastbound. They were pronounced deceased at the scene.

OPP Collision Reconstructionists attended the scene to conduct their investigation. The highway was shut down to allow for the investigation to take place but has since re-opened.

OPP are asking that if there are any members of the public who might have witnessed the collision or have dashcam footage, to please call 1-888-310-1122 and reference case number E250229726.

The OPP would like to remind members of the public that if you are in a collision, it is the safest option to remain in your vehicle and wait until emergency crews arrive. Do not attempt to walk across the highway.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

7kg Drug Bust – Details Relased

(Ottawa)—A month-long investigation has led to the arrest of one individual and the execution of search warrants at two residences in Ottawa South last week.

As a result, investigators from the Guns and Gangs Unit seized:

  • Over 7 kg of illicit drugs and precursors, including cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and oxycodone
  • .40 calibre handgun with extended magazines
  • Large quantity of ammunition
  • Bulletproof vest
  • Cell phones
  • Large amount of Canadian currency

Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, the name and gender of the arrested person are being withheld at this time. A 32-year-old Ottawa resident has been charged with multiple offences under the Criminal Code (CC) and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA):

CC 86 (1) USE/HANDLE/STORE FIREARM, ETC. CARELESSLY

CC 86 (2) CONTRAVENE SECTION 117(H) FIREARMS ACT REGULATION

CC 88 (1) POSSESS WEAPON, ETC./DANGEROUS TO PUBLIC PEACE

CC 91 (1) POSSESS FIREARM WITHOUT HOLDING A LICENCE

CC 92 (1) POSSESS RESTRICTED OR PROHIBITED FIREARM KNOWINGLY NOT HOLDING A LICENCE AND REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE

CC 92 (2) POSSESS PROHIBITED/RESTRICTED WEAPON OR PROHIBITED DEVICE KNOWING NO AUTHORITY X2

CC 95 (1) POSSESS UNLOADED REGULATION FIREARM

CC 96 (1) POSSESS FIREARM, ETC. OBTAINED BY CRIME

CC 117.01 (1) POSSESS FIREARM, ETC. WHILE PROHIBITED X3

CC 145 (5) (a) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH RELEASE ORDER/NOT FTA COURT

CC 354 (1) POSSESS PROCEEDS OF PROPERTY OR THING OBTAINED BY CRIME/EXCEEDING $5000

CDSA 5 (2) POSSESS SCHEDULE I SUBSTANCE FOR TRAFFICKING X4

The operation was conducted without incident with the support of the South and East Neighbourhood Response Teams and the Tactical Unit.

Anyone with information about the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illegal firearms or illicit drugs are asked to contact the Guns and Gangs Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5050, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or crimestoppers.ca.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

2.7 Kg Cocaine Bust – Names Released

(OTTAWA, ON) – Two individuals have been charged with criminal offences after a drug trafficking investigation in Kanata.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG) began an investigation in September 2024 into drug trafficking activity in the Ottawa area. On January 22, 2025, the PGNG and Ottawa Police Service Tactical Unit executed a search warrant at a residence on Coldwater Crescent. As a result, investigators seized the following:

  •         2.7 kilograms of suspected cocaine
  •         Ammunition
  •         $700 in Canadian currency
  •         Jewellery
  •         Money counters
  •         A digital scale
  •         Packaging material

Austin GREAVES, age 26 of Kanata, has been charged with the following three offences under the Criminal Code (CC) and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA):

  •         Breach of prohibition order
  •         Possession of proceeds obtained by crime over $5,000
  •         Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

The accused was released from custody and was scheduled to appear before the Ontario court of Justice in Ottawa on January 31, 2025.

Haley CAPELLO, age 25 of Kanata, has been charged with the following two offences under the CC and CDSA:

  •         Possession of proceeds obtained by crime over $5,000
  •         Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario court of Justice in Ottawa on February 25, 2025.

Anyone with any information about illegal firearms or the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Mahad ABDULLAHI 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 before 1:00 a.m. on February 2, a vehicle approached officers who were conducting a RIDE check on Nicholas Street. Officers suspected the driver had been consuming alcohol. The driver, who was already a suspended driver with a G2 licence, refused to provide a roadside breath sample.

As a result, Mahad ABDULLAHI, 31 years of age faces the following charges:

  • Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand
  • Driving While Under Suspension
  • Driving Motor Vehicle with Open Container of Liquor
  • Novice Driver – B.A.C Above Zero
  • Novice Driver Refuse to Provide Breath Sample

Abdullahi was issued a 90-day driving suspension and his vehicle was impounded for seven days. Abdullahi is scheduled to appear in Provincial Court at a later date.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Drunk Driver Arrested For Driving Through Collision Scene

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

Shortly before 11:00 p.m. on January 19, OPP were attending to a collision on Highway 417 near Moodie Drive. All lanes had been shut down eastbound, (except for the HOV lane which had been kept open to allow for traffic flow), to allow emergency services to attend to the involved drivers. This also included Ottawa Fire Services and Ottawa Paramedic Services. The driver drove through the collision scene before being stopped by police.

Marc BECK, 56 years of age faces the following charges:

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

Beck is scheduled to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice at a later date.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Lance ROWE Arrested Again & Facing Numerous Charges

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid numerous weapons charges against an individual from Scarborough as a result of a traffic stop.

Shortly before 2:00 p.m. on January 14, OPP conducted a traffic stop on Highway 417 in the west end of Ottawa. The investigation led officers to locate three handguns, including two that were loaded, as well as ammunition. 

Lance ROWE, 48 years of age faces the following charges:

  • Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order x 6
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm x 2
  • Knowledge or Unauthorized Possession of Firearm x 3
  • Possession of Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm x 2
  • Possession of Prohibited Device or Ammunition x 3
  • Carry Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition in a Careless Manner
  • Failure to Comply with Release Order – Other than to Attend Court x 4

Rowe was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Prosper NIJIMBERE – Imparied Driving

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged an Ottawa resident with Impaired Driving after a single vehicle collision.

Shortly before 5:00 a.m. on December 31, OPP responded to reports of single vehicle collision on the Highway 417 off ramp at Riverside Drive. Officers noted that the driver had an odour of an alcoholic beverage on his breath. An approved screening device was utilized, and the driver was transported to Ottawa Detachment for additional testing. The driver then registered nearly four times the legal limit.

Prosper NIJIMBERE, 52 years of age, faces the following charges:

  • Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
  • Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
  • Dangerous Operation
  • Novice Driver – B.A.C above Zero

Nijimbere is scheduled to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice in January 2025.

The OPP would like to remind everyone that if you plan to drink, have a plan for a ride home. We can all work together to ensure everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

47 Kg Cocaine Bust

(OTTAWA, ON) – Three individuals are facing charges under the Criminal Code (CC), the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and the Cannabis Act (CA) after enforcement in Ottawa and Prince Edward County resulted in the seizure of 47 kilograms of suspected cocaine.

In September 2024, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Biker Enforcement Unit (BEU), Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Drug Unit and Brockville Police Service (BPS) Intelligence Unit began Project MIDFIELD to address drug trafficking activity in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, with a nexus to the Greater Toronto Area.

On November 27, 2024, four search warrants were executed at residences and vehicles in Ottawa and Milford by members from the OPP-led BEU, OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit, OPP Emergency Response Team, OPS Drug Unit, OPS Neighbourhood Resource Team and OPS Tactical Unit.

As a result, the following items were seized:

  • One firearm
  • Five magazines with ammunition
  • Body armour
  • 47 kilograms of suspected cocaine
  • 250 grams of suspected psilocybin
  • Over 100 pounds of illicit cannabis
  • Five cell phones
  • A money counter
  • Indicia of drug trafficking, including packaging and a digital scale
  • $6,810 in Canadian currency
  • Two vehicles as offence-related property

The estimated street value of the drugs seized is more than $6 million.

A combined total of 39 charges were laid against three individuals.

Dylan GRAHAM, age 37 of Ottawa, and Kaylee DIOTTE, age 22 of Milford, have each been charged with the following 18 offences:

  • Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, s. 345 (1) CC
  • Careless storage of a firearm, s. 86(1) CC
  • Storage of a firearm in contravention of regulations, s. 86(2) CC
  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, s. 88(1) CC
  • Possession of firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, s. 92(1) CC
  • Possession of prohibited weapon, device or ammunition knowing its possession is unauthorized, s. 92(2) CC – four counts
  • Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition, s. 95(1) CC
  • Possession of weapon obtained by commission of offence, s. 96(1) CC – five counts
  • Possession for the purposes of trafficking – cocaine, s. 5(2) CDSA
  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking – psilocybin, s. 5(2) CDSA
  • Possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing, s. 9(5) CA

Emma DURKAN, age 25 of Ottawa, has been charged with the following three offences:

  • Possession for the purposes of trafficking – cocaine, s. 5(2) CDSA
  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking – psilocybin, s. 5(2) CDSA
  • Possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing, s. 9(5) CA

Two of the accused were remanded into custody upon arrest, and one was released. They are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa on a later date. 

Anyone with information about possession, production or trafficking of illegal drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.