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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.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Jesse BOWIE Arrested 2X in 3 Days

(OTTAWA, ON) – A resident of North Dundas Township was arrested and charged twice in three days for driving offences.

On Friday, June 6, 2025, just after 10:00 a.m., officers with the Russell County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a vehicle on Notre Dame Street in Russell Township after the ALPR indicated that the licence plates should not be in use.

The driver was arrested and charged for driving while suspended under the Criminal Code, as well as for having an unauthorized plate and having open cannabis in the vehicle. The pick-up truck, which had been borrowed, was impounded.

Then, on Sunday, June 8, 2025, just after 10:30 a.m., a member of the OPP Highway Safety Division TIME (Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement) Team stopped a driver after observing the individual using their cell phone while driving on Highway 417.

It was the same driver that had been stopped and arrested on Friday, in another borrowed vehicle.

As a result of the two incidents, Jesse BOWIE, age 32, is charged with:

  • Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code – two counts
  • Driving while under suspension (Highway Traffic Act) – seven counts
  • Driving with a handheld communication device (distracted driving-Highway Traffic Act)
  • Using a plate not authorized for a vehicle
  • Driving with cannabis in open packaging

The accused was held in custody following the second incident and is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa on Monday, June 9, 2025.

In both incidents the borrowed vehicles were impounded, 45-days for Friday and 90-days on Sunday.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Stolen Plate Leads To Numerous Charges

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid dozens of charges against two individuals from Ottawa after a traffic stop for a stolen licence plate.

Shortly after midnight on May 17, an Ottawa OPP member was alerted to a possible stolen plate on Coventry Road by their Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) camera. The investigation led to arrest of both the driver and passenger. Officers seized a replica firearm, drugs and multiple stolen pieces of identification.

As a result, Jari MANNER, 43 years of age has been charged with the following:

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000 – in Canada – six counts
  • Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000 – in Canada
  • Possession of Imitation Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
  • Traffick in Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine
  • Traffick in Schedule I Substance – Other Drugs
  • Possession Instruments for Forgery
  • Identity Theft – Obtain or Possess Another Persons Identity Information – six Counts
  • Drive Motor Vehicle – No Licence
  • Operate a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance
  • Drive Motor Vehicle no Permit
  • Drive Motor Vehicle with Open Container of Liquor

Lindsay GNASS-WETZEL, 36 years of age faces the following charges:

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000 – in Canada – six counts
  • Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000 – in Canada
  • Possession of Imitation Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
  • Traffick in Schedule I Substance – Methamphetamine
  • Traffick in Schedule I Substance – Other Drugs
  • Identity Theft – Obtain or Possess Another Persons Identity Information – six counts

Both of the accused are set to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa at a later date.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

Bike Ride Ends With Numerous Charges For Blake GODFREY

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Highway Safety Division (HSD) have laid charges against an individual from Ottawa in relation to an incident from May 13.

Shortly before 4:30 p.m. on May 13, Ottawa OPP and HSD OPP attempted to stop a motorcycle that was driving on the shoulder of Highway 417 near Woodroffe Avenue. The rider accelerated away at high speeds and an officer suffered minor injuries during the incident. 

As a result of the investigation, Blake GODFREY, 33 years of age, faces the following charges:

  • Dangerous Operation
  • Flight from Peace Officer
  • Drive Motor Vehicle – Perform Stunt
  • Operate a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance
  • Careless Driving
  • Fail to Stop for Police
  • Drive Motor Vehicle, No Plates
  • Operate Unsafe Vehicle
  • Pass – Off Roadway

The accused had his drivers licence suspended for 30 days and will appear in an Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa at a later date.

The OPP would like to extend their appreciation to all the members of the public who responded to our social media posts, providing us with the information necessary to locate and arrest the individual.

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OPP Ottawa Police Press Releases

19 Year Old Arrested – Stolen Vehicle Recovered

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have laid charges against an individual from Quebec after recovering a stolen motor vehicle.

Shortly after 9:30 a.m. on May 14, an Ottawa OPP member was alerted to a possible stolen vehicle by their Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) camera. The vehicle had been stolen just two days prior from the Waterloo region.  The vehicle was stopped by OPP without incident on Highway 417 near Rochester Street.

As a result, Tysson THIBEAULT, 19 years of age faces the following charges:

  • Theft of Motor Vehicle
  • Possession of Proceeds of Obtained by Crime over $5,000 – in Canada
  • Trafficking in Stolen Goods over $5,000 (incl. possession with intent to traffic)

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

Curtis BROWN – Drunk Driving, Etc.

(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 stunt driving.

Shortly after 8:00 a.m. on May 9, OPP stopped the driver for stunt driving – 193km/h on Highway 417 near Moodie Drive. Investigation revealed that the driver had been consuming alcohol and they were taken back to the Detachment for a breath test. The driver registered nearly three times the legal limit.

As a result, Curtis BROWN, 42 years of age faces the following charges:

  • Dangerous Operation
  • Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
  • Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
  • Mischief
  • Stunt Driving
  • Speeding 50+km/h over the posted speed limit
  • Improper Use of High Occupancy Vehicle Lane

The accused had their licence suspended for 90 days and had their vehicle impounded for 14 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

Ayman AIT AALI Was Arrested

(OTTAWA, ON) – Members of the Ottawa Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), along with OPP Aviation Services conducted a one-day traffic enforcement initiative to coincide with Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week.

Ottawa OPP, along with the OPP Aviation Services conducted enforcement along Highway 417 and Highway 7 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Shortly before 1:00 p.m., Aviation Services identified a motorcycle that was travelling at high speeds on Highway 417. The driver initially stopped for police but then fled the scene at high speeds. The driver was tracked to his residence where the motorcycle was seized. The driver eventually surrendered himself to police at the Ottawa Detachment.

As a result, Ayman AIT AALI, 25 years of age, from Ottawa faces the following charges:

  • Flight from Police – 2 Counts
  • Dangerous Operation
  • Stunt Driving

Along with the criminal charges, the accused also had his licence suspended for 30 days and is set to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa at a later date.

OPP issued a total of 25 provincial charges, and three warnings, including:

  • Driving Under Suspension
  • Operate a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance x3
  • 15 Speeding Charges
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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.