Category: Police Press Releases

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Guelph Police Service Police Press Releases

Man Ignores Bank Staff Warnings & Loses $180,000

The Guelph Police Service is again warning the public to be cautious when investing online after a local man lost more than $180,000, much of it after ignoring warnings from bank staff that he was being scammed.

On Friday, a Guelph man in his 60s contacted police to report the fraud. He reported last November he responded to an online ad for a supposed Bitcoin investment firm. Since then, he sent more than $34,000 through e-transfers and $151,000 through wire transfers. He told police staff at his bank warned him he was being scammed, but he did not believe them and insisted on completing the transfers.

He became suspicious when he was contacted and asked to send another $60,000 to cover administrative fees.

Residents are warned to be wary of any online contact, and to investigate thoroughly before sending money to anyone. Cryptocurrency scams are very difficult to investigate and the odds of recovering lost funds is very low.

Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. If there is no financial loss it should still be reported it to the CAFC

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Amherstview OPP Police Press Releases

Rylie HEMLOW Arrested For Drunk Driving

(AMHERSTVIEW, ON) – Officers of the Lennox and Addington (L&A) County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged a Amherstview driver with impaired driving.

On February 24, 2024, shortly after 3:00 a.m., officers from the L&A County OPP were conducting general patrols and pulled over a vehicle for observed traffic infractions. The vehicle was stopped at a gas station on Sherwood Avenue, in Amherstview. Officers observed the vehicle to have damage to it. The lone female driver appeared to be intoxicated. The driver was arrested for impaired driving and transported back to the detachment for further testing.

As a result of this investigation, L&A County OPP has charged Rylie HEMLOW, age 20, of Kingston, with:

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

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Napanee on March 12, 2024. The accused’s licence was suspended for 90 days, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

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Bancroft OPP Police Press Releases

Lyle JAN – Criminal Harassment

(BANCROFT, ON) – The Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged an individual with Criminal Harassment.

On January 30, 2024, shortly before 1:30 p.m., Bancroft OPP responded to the report of someone being continuously approached by an individual when outside of their residence. As a result of the investigation the police arrested one person.

Lyle JAN, a 68-year-old from Bancroft has been charged with Criminal Harassment.

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bancroft on February 27, 2024.

Police are requesting anyone who may have additional information or believes that they were a victim of similar circumstances to contact Bancroft OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Victims are not alone. If you need support or know someone that does, there are local resources here to help, including Maggie’s Resource Centre of North Hastings – 613-332-3010. If you are in an immediate crisis, dial 9-1-1.

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Brant OPP Police Press Releases

Peter GRAHAM – Theft

(BRANT, ON) – On February 24th,2024 at approximately 11:17 a.m., members of the Brant County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police responded to a report of a taxi fare theft.

Upon their arrival, Police identified the subject male who stated he was not able to pay for the fare at this time. The male was provided an opportunity to secure funds to pay for the fare however was unable to do so.

As a result of the investigation, Peter GRAHAM, a 57-year-old male from Brantford has been charged with the following.

–      Theft Under $5000

GRAHAM is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Brantford on March 14, 2024, to answer to the charges.

Anyone with information regarding this ongoing investigation is asked to contact the Brant OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases South Glengarry

Papa GIUSEPPE Arrested – Stolen Vehicle Recovered

(SOUTH GLENGARRY, ON) – Members of the SD&G OPP have recovered a stolen vehicle on Highway-401.

On February 24, 2024, shortly after 9:00 a.m., SD&G officers located a stolen vehicle, eastbound in South Glengarry Township. Further investigation revealed that the 2023 Jeep Gladiator was stolen from the Greater Toronto Area. 

Papa GIUSEPPE, 51-years-old from Montreal, Quebec was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
  • Theft of Motor Vehicle
  • Possession Break-In Instruments

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall.   

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OPP Police Press Releases Unincorporated Territory

Jason WAHAMAA – Drunk Driving

(UNINCORPORATED TERRITORY, ON) – A driver was charged with impaired driving after police responded to a traffic complaint of a possible impaired driver.

On February 25, shortly before 11:30 p.m., members from the Nipissing West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a traffic complaint on Highway 144, Unincorporated Territory, north of the City of Greater Sudbury.

A witness was following the vehicle, travelling all over the roadway and contacted police.

Police located the vehicle and while speaking to the driver, it was determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol. The driver was arrested for impaired driving, then transported to the Greater Sudbury Police Service for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Jason WAHAMAA, 54 years-of-age, from Azilda, was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • No red light on rear of trailer

The accused was release and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on March 27, 2024, in Sudbury.

The driver was issued a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The OPP would like to remind the public that if you see a possible impaired driver on our roadways, waterways, or trails, please “Make the Call,” and dial 9-1-1 as impaired driving never ends well, please plan a way to get home safely.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southwest Middlesex

Gryffyn JOHNS – Drunk Driving

(SOUTHWEST MIDDLESEX, ON) – Driver charged with Impaired after vehicle leaves roadway and enters ditch.

On February 22, 2024, at 10:05 p.m., members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to Main Street in Glencoe, Southwest Middlesex, for the report of a single vehicle that left the roadway and entered the ditch.

It was determined the driver had previously consumed alcohol and was placed under arrest without incident.

As a result, Gryffyn JOHNS, an 18-year-old of Port Franks, has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

·      Operation while impaired – alcohol

·      Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

·      Novice driver – B.A.C. above zero

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice to speak to the charges on March 26, 2024.

The Middlesex OPP wants to remind the public that if you see anything suspicious or suspect an impaired driver you should contact the Ontario Provincial Police or your nearest police authority immediately.

If you have any information that could assist with the investigation, the OPP can be reached anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122. 

If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.  

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Killaloe OPP Police Press Releases

Caitlin BREEN Arrested For Assault

(KILLALOE, ON) – One person has been charged with assault.

On February 21, 2024, just after 3:30 p.m., members of the Killaloe Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to an assault call for service on Opeongo Line, in the Township of Madawaska Valley.

As a result of police investigation, 35-year-old Caitlin BREEN of Madawaska Valley Township has been charged with the Criminal Code offence of assault.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court on April 3, 2024, at the Ontario Court of Justice, Pembroke.

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North Bay OPP Police Press Releases

US Secret Service Freezes $615,820 Of Spear Phishing Proceeds

(NORTH BAY, ON) – On February 2, 2024, an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) member seconded to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) was notified by a CAFC Call Taker that a Canadian victim business reported a Spear Phishing fraud. The member subsequently contacted the United States Secret Service (USSS) representative regarding the fraud. 

The USSS quickly contacted the US financial institution, which received the transfer and froze approximately $615,820 (CND) of the victim funds. As a result of the timely reporting to the CAFC, and the quick action of the members from each organization, the business is well positioned to recover the funds.

What is the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre?

The CAFC is Canada’s central repository for data, intelligence and resource material that relates to fraud. CAFC does not conduct investigations but provides valuable assistance to law enforcement agencies all over the world. CAFC is jointly managed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Competition Bureau Canada and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The CAFC was originally known as Phonebusters, which was created by the OPP.

What is Spear Phishing or Business Email Compromise fraud?

Spear phishing (Business Email Compromise) frauds represented $58.2 million in reported losses to the CAFC in 2023. Ontario victims reported losing over $21.3 million.

Fraudsters send messages to a targeted business or individual’s email account, often to the accounts payable department. Fraudsters will create an email address similar to the targeted company’s email address in order to appear as though the email is originating from a trusted source (a supplier or contractor). The fraudster will request an urgent payment to an alternate bank account for an invoice that is due.

In addition, fraudsters may send malware and if an employee clicks on it, a rule will be created to send copies of incoming emails to one of the fraudster’s email accounts. Fraudsters will take their time to collect information, study the language on their intended targets, and look for important contacts, payments, and dates so they can send convincing emails from a seemingly trusted source. Fraudsters launch their attack when an accounts payable invoice has been identified.

How to protect yourself

·      Remain current on frauds targeting businesses and educate all employees by visiting the CAFC website

·      Include fraud and cyber training as part of new employee’s orientation

·      Avoid opening unsolicited emails or clicking on suspicious links or attachments

·      Take a few seconds to hover over an email address or link and confirm that they are correct

·      Restrict the amount of information shared publicly and show caution with regard to social media

·      Create detailed payment procedures, including verbal authentication for any urgent requests or changes in payment details

·      Create a verification step for unusual requests

·      Establish fraud identifying, managing and reporting procedures

·      Ensure to upgrade and update technical security software

Remember… if you become a victim of a fraud or know someone who has, contact your local police service to report the crime and report it to the CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or online on the Fraud Reporting System (FRS), even if a financial loss did not occur.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southwold

James DREWITT – Drunk Driving, Speeding, Etc.

(SOUTHWOLD, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Elgin County Detachment has charged an individual following a traffic stop.

On February 25, 2024, at approximately 2:30 a.m., a member of the Elgin County OPP stopped a passenger vehicle on Iona Road near Thomson Line, Township of Southwold for travelling more than 45 Km/h over the speed limit.

While speaking to the driver, the investigating officer observed signs of intoxication. The driver was taken into custody without incident and transported to detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, James DREWITT, a 31-year-old of Iona Station was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
  • Speeding 1 – 49 Km/h over posted limit
  • Fail to surrender insurance card

A 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impoundment was initiated as per statute.

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Thomas on March 26, 2024.

The OPP remind motorists that no amount of alcohol or drug is acceptable to consume and drive. Report impaired drivers. Should you observe a suspected impaired driver, please dial 911 or contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sudbury

Tahnee McGREGOR – Drunk Driving

(SUDBURY, ON) – A driver was charged with impaired driving after police responded to a single motor vehicle collision.

On February 24, shortly after 4:00 p.m., members from the Nipissing West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 17, in the City of Greater Sudbury.

The vehicle had collided with the guiderails on the shoulder of the highway, there were no injuries to the driver.

While speaking to the driver, it was determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol. The driver was arrested for impaired driving, then transported to the Sudbury OPP detachment for further testing.

As a result of the investigation, Tahnee McGREGOR, 27 years-of-age, from Birch Island, was charged with:

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

The accused was release and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on March 13, 2024, in Sudbury.

The driver was issued a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

The OPP would like to remind the public that if you see a possible impaired driver on our roadways, waterways, or trails, please “Make the Call,” and dial 9-1-1 as impaired driving never ends well, please plan a way to get home safely.

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OPP Police Press Releases Southwest Middlesex

Another Spousal Assault

(SOUTHWEST MIDDLESEX, ON) – On February 21, 2024, at 8:09 a.m., members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to an address in Southwest Middlesex, for the report of a historical assault.

As a result of the investigation, a 54-year-old of Middlesex County, has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

·      Assault – Spousal (two counts)

The accused has been released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice at a future date to speak to the charges.

Victims of domestic violence are not alone. If you or someone you know needs support, there are local resources available to help. One organization you can contact is Victim Services of Middlesex-London.

The OPP can be reached anytime, anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122. 

If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.  

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Nipigon OPP Police Press Releases

Spike Belt Stops Jimmy NADON In Stolen Vehicle

(NIPIGON, ON) – An individual is facing multiple charges after members of the Nipigon Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment received a report of a stolen motor vehicle early Friday morning.

On February 23, 2024, at approximately 2:00 a.m., members of the Thunder Bay OPP Detachment received a report of a stolen vehicle from a business on Arthur Street in the City of Thunder Bay. It was reported that the vehicle was observed travelling eastbound on Highway 11-17 at a high rate of speed.

Nipigon OPP members observed the vehicle around Highway 628 and Highway 11-17. Officers attempted a traffic stop, to which the vehicle did not stop for officers. A Tire Deflation Device (TDD), otherwise known as a Spike belt was successfully utilized causing the vehicle to safely come to a stop. The driver exited, initiating a ground search by officers. The OPP K9 Unit and OPP Emergency Response Team assisted with the search. The driver was subsequently located and placed under arrest.

As a result of the investigation, Jimmy NADON, 19-years-old of Geraldton has been charged with: 

·      Dangerous Operation

·      Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

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

·      Flight From Peace Officer

·      Theft of Motor Vehicle

·      Drive Motor Vehicle – No Licence

The accused was brought back to the Nipigon OPP Detachment for further testing. No injuries were sustained throughout the entirety of the investigation.

The accused is now facing a 90-Day Administrative Drivers Licence Suspension (ADLS). The vehicle was returned to its owner. The accused was held for a bail hearing and remanded into custody.  

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

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Police Press Releases West Grey Police

West Grey Police Weekly Report

On February 18, 2024 West Grey Police responded to a reported break and enter at an address in West Grey. While on scene police observed damaged property.  The resident advised it was a 32 year old male for West Grey who had attended and damaged the property while attempting to break in.  The male was on conditions not to contact or communicate with the resident and not to go to the address where the break in occurred.

The male was located, arrested, charged with multiple offences and held for a bail hearing.  He remains in custody at press time.

On February 19, 2024 West Grey officers attended an address in the former Glenelg township to speak with a resident about an on-going investigation.  While there officers observed a vehicle that matched the description of a vehicle reported stolen out of Hanover.  A person at the residence  was arrested and charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.  The male of no fixed address was released with conditions and will appear in Walkerton court to answer to the charges at a future date.

On February 17, 2024 West Grey officers responded to an address on Grey Rd 4 after receiving reports that a resident there had made threats to harm someone.  A 26 year old male was arrested without incident and charged with a number of firearms offences as well as Uttering Threats.  He was held for bail and released with multiple conditions after the bail hearing.  He will appear in Walkerton court and answer to those charges as well as previous charges at a future date.

West Grey Police held a very successful Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics on February 17, 2024.  The exact amount raised is not known yet as not all donations have come in but we exceeded our fundraising goal and a great time was held by the participants and the spectators.  Many thanks to all who help support this cause every year.

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Owen Sound Police Police Press Releases

Owen Sound Police Withhold Name Of School Area Drug Dealer

In February of this year, Owen Sound Police began an investigation in relation to the trafficking of drugs by an Owen Sound resident.  As a result, on Thursday February 22nd, 2024 just after 4:00pm, the Owen Sound Police Service Drug Unit with assistance from the Criminal Investigations Branch, arrested the 27-year-old man in a park located on the east side of the city within two blocks of a school.

The male was found in possession of several drugs including Fentanyl, Methamphetamine and Cocaine. The Fentanyl had a weight of over 94 grams and based on how it is sold, this amount of Fentanyl would have represented over 940 individual sales, with an approximate street value of $23,675.00.

Fentanyl is a highly potent and deadly opioid that is responsible for numerous opioid poisoning events in Owen Sound.

The male was charged with three counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Substances included in Schedule I, being Fentanyl, Methamphetamine and Cocaine, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.  The local resident was also charged with Possession of Proceeds of Crime, contrary to Section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.

The individual was held in order to make his first court appearance on February 23rd.

Owen Sound Police Service Contact Information
922 2nd Avenue West
Owen Sound, Ontario
CANADA
N4K 4M7
Phone: 519-376-1234  
Voice Mail: 519-376-9812    
Fax: 519-376-6131
Email: [email protected]